A couple hope to teach tomorrow's football stars how to score a good image in front of the television cameras.

Richard Waters and Ali Candy believe their training would help players like Manchester United's David Beckham shine on screen off the pitch as much as they do on.

They have put a proposal to the Premier League champions to teach youth team players how to portray a good image before they hit the big time.

Richard, who lives with Ali in Buckingham Place, Brighton, said: "Footballers are the icons of our age and like the new pop stars.

"Beckham looks great and is a fantastic player but is let down by his performance in front of the camera. We could teach the younger players how to be relaxed."

Beckham is frequently mocked for his squeaky voice and lack of panache while being interviewed.

In March, comedian Ali G started an interview with the footballer and his wife Posh Spice by saying: "Just because it's Comic Relief doesn't mean you can speak in a silly voice."

Richard and Ali, both in their early 30s, hope club bosses will choose their firm Ostrich to help younger players avoid being a similar target.

Their formula has already calmed the fears of scores of best men at weddings and business clients at conferences. Richard, who is an actor and writer, said: "Public speaking is a terrifying thing to have to do."

Richard and Ali, who have been partners for five years, draw on his experience as an actor and her previous work in film studios to teach confident public speaking.

Richard has a regular part on the daytime soap Doctors with Christopher Timothy.

Ali said: "The key to good public speaking is to be relaxed. We give people a strong armour to face their audience."

Clients get help with subject ideas, script writing, body language and are told to keep the speech short. So far all their 'students' have passed with flying colours.

Yesterday Manchester United were unavailable for comment.

Richard and Ali can be contacted via www.headinthesand.co.uk