The inaugural event is scheduled for April 9, with 30 contestants vying for the trophy at Britain's top sporting university, coinciding with the institution's rugby centenary.

Contestants will be either male or female players from an under-18 level. 

The competition will test their skills across six kicking disciplines designed to recreate the conditions and pressure applied to kickers during a match.

It will be broadcast to television viewers and in a content series online. 

"Next year is a significant milestone for us celebrating 100 years of rugby here at Loughborough University and a fitting occasion to be hosting the very first Alred Trophy event, where we can help develop and nurture upcoming talent," Loughborough University director of rugby Rhys Edwards said

"It just so happens that Dave Alred is one of our alumni and so we're looking forward to welcoming him back onto campus along with the contestants.  

"It's a chance for us to witness rugby history in the making."

The Alred Trophy is named after kicking coach Alred, who has worked with rugby stars such as England's George Ford and Jonny Wilkinson, Ireland's Jonathan Sexton and Morné Steyn of South Africa.

He is currently the kicking coach for the Queensland Reds.

"As we've seen in Tokyo and in countless rugby matches at all levels of the game, from grass-roots through to international tests, kickers have the ability to influence and suddenly change the entire momentum of the game," Alred said.

"Resting on their shoulders is the responsibility to set a platform for their team's attack, but also to rescue their team from conceding points. 

"They must have not only strength, accuracy and power, but also incredible mental aptitude to cope with the pressure.

"The Alred Trophy is designed to find the next Wilkinson, Steyn, [Leigh] Halfpenny, [Dan] Carter and others who have gone on to make history in the sport. 

"I've seen first-hand that we have some exciting talent coming through the ranks of both the men's and women's games in Britain and Ireland and I can't wait to see what they can do."