Premier League footballer James Milner has told how Seven Elite Academy is leading the way in developing new young talent in the United States.

Milner, who has made over 600 appearances in the top flight of English football, was in Salt Lake City last week for a whistle-stop tour of the academy.

The former England midfielder held a coaching masterclass for hundreds of youngsters on Monday, before working with the Academy’s Schools Program the next day.

And he was shown first-hand the techniques that Seven Elite Academy is using to breed the next generation of soccer players in Utah.

Milner said: “It was great to visit Salt Lake City for a few days and see how Seven Elite Academy is working hard to raise standards in youth soccer across Utah and the wider United States.

“I know some of the academy coaching staff from my playing career in the UK and they are all determined to bring Premier League standards to the region.

“The children themselves were an absolute pleasure to work with. They were all incredibly keen to learn and take on advice, both on and off the pitch.

“I also had the privilege of visiting an assembly at Terra Linda Elementary on Tuesday and the reception I received was just fantastic.

“Clearly, Seven Elite Academy is doing a huge amount of work to make sure young players develop as all-round good people.”

Wayne Scholes, CEO of Seven Elite Academy, was delighted to welcome the 2012 and 2014 Premier League winner back to Utah for a three-day coaching trip.

He said: “Having James Milner back here with us, just over a year after his first visit, has been a great experience for every single player here at Seven Elite Academy.

“James is rightly known as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and it was clear he enjoyed his time here.

“The fact that he was able to pass on some of his vast experience was a fantastic opportunity for the young players, but also the coaching staff and parents.

“I am looking forward to welcoming James Milner back to Seven Elite Academy in the future. He is very much part of the family now.”

Anthony Godfrey, Global Technical Director at Seven Elite Academy, has previously worked with James Milner in the UK and was happy to see him enjoy his time in Utah.

He added: “We always want to see our youngsters take to the field with a smile on their face and they certainly did that this week. It has been a great few days.

“James was very much at home on the training pitch, talking to the players and making sure they were all having a good time.

“Of course, they all learned some invaluable skills from such a talented Premier League player, which they’ll be able to use for the rest of their careers.”