St James' Park will be the home for the fictional team

Newcastle United FC's stadium beat off competition from Premiership rivals to land a starring role in the forthcoming movie GOAL!

The film will be a trilogy following the life of an American Latino boy playing in the Premiership.

In the first film his team will be based at the city centre ground.

Director Michael Winterbottom has chosen Diego Luna to play the lead role in the $100m (�55m) film, with Good Will Hunting star Stellan Skarsgard as the team's manager.

There may also be cameo roles for famous players and staff.

Last week the production team travelled to Spain to record Newcastle's 3-0 Uefa Cup win against Real Mallorca.

We believe the club and the city will provide a truly wonderful setting for our story Mike Jeffries, producer

They will also be filming around Newcastle city centre and several of the city's top nightspots.

The first movie will be released in February next year with the final instalment due to hit cinema screens in time for the 2006 World Cup.

Producer Mike Jeffries said: "Newcastle is famous for a tradition of attacking and colourful football and incredibly passionate fans.

"We believe the club and the city will provide a truly wonderful setting for our story."

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "The club is looking forward to GOAL! because it will give Newcastle United worldwide exposure.

"It's fantastic news for this city and we're looking forward to working with the GOAL! team.

"For Newcastle it is a win, win situation."