Soccer: English legend Shearer coaches NZ juniors

English soccer legend Alan Shearer passed on tips to 50 junior players at the Glenfield Rovers Football club on the North Shore today.

Shearer's two day visit is part of a promotional tour for international soccer brand Umbro.

The North Shore club hosted a press conference at 10.30am, after which Shearer led a two-hour coaching clinic with junior players from across the country.

Shearer acknowledged the profile of rugby in New Zealand, but said it was important that young soccer players were developed and encouraged to play at the senior level.

"There's enough kids playing, but they don't follow through with it," he said. "It would be great to see more 16 and 17-year-olds out there."

Shearer said he was enjoying the freedom of retirement, but said he still followed the game closely and planned to continue to be involved at a management level.

"I love getting up on Sunday mornings and not feeling sore and stiff," he said.

A Gala dinner held tonight at Eden Park will be a celebration of Shearer's record breaking career and an insight into his life as a professional soccer player.

He will also be at Rebel Sport Panmure tomorrow from 10.30-11am.