Akranes' stairway to the stars

The story of the small Icelandic fishing town of Akranes is a remarkable one. Despite a population of just 6,000, the local football club, ÍA Akranes, have produced more than 40 leading players who have gone on to play top-level football outside Iceland – including former Arsenal FC midfielder Siggi Jonsson, ex-Real Betis Balompié, Aston Villa FC and AZ Alkmaar winger Joey Gudjonsson, and new Bolton Wanderers FC signing - full-back Grétar Steinsson.

Incredible story
From this week, their tale is told in an exclusive UEFA Training Ground documentary. By watching this, the latest in a series of fascinating football stories on the website, you can find out the secret of this incredible club's success and learn how they have created a state-of-the-art training facility, about the dedication of the local youngsters, and from the players themselves.

German hopes
This week also sees the third episode in the UEFA Training Ground's behind-the-scenes documentary following the Germany side at the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Despite emerging unbeaten from their opening two group games in Austria, Frank Engel's team knew they could not afford a defeat against Serbia if they were to keep their dream of glory alive. Discover if they could secure a semi-final place by clicking here now.

Big names
With the UEFA Training Ground hosting more than 80 videos, you can also catch exclusive masterclass sessions by Kaká and European U19 Championship veteran Andrea Pirlo – among arguably the greatest array of football talent assembled for a learning-based website. Coaches Roy Hodgson and Lars Lagerbäck have also been recruited to help inform and educate players and coaches of all ages and abilities, as part of the most comprehensive guide to skills and tactics on the internet.