Hong Kong's budding soccer stars and socially disadvantaged will have a special opportunity to see their Real Madrid idols in action.

The team's training session will be held on August 7 at HK Stadium and about 10,000 fans will get free admission.

Attendants will include participants in the children and youth football training schemes, those assisted by the Social Welfare Department, and the disabled.

Tickets will be distributed through the department and its Leisure & Cultural Services colleagues.

Deputy Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Alan Siu said the department is planning to erect a giant screen at Mong Kok Stadium to broadcast the match live if tickets for HK Stadium are sold out. The move will allow 9,000 spectators to see the August 8 game free.

"This will provide members of the public another avenue to view the match in a stadium-like atmosphere," Mr Siu said.

The team will visit Hong Kong's scenic spots during their stay, to help promote tourism for Hong Kong.

"The visit of Real Madrid will send a strong message to the international community that Hong Kong has rebounded from the impact of SARS and has re-established itself as Asia's world city for hosting major sport and cultural events," Mr Siu said.

He added that well over half of the tickets for the match will be openly sold by the HK Football Association to the public, and ticket sales have been forwarded to July 31. Some tickets will be sold to tourists through the HK Tourism Board.