TALENTED young footballers can secure a place on an innovative academy programme in Crewe during a forthcoming open day.

Organisers of the joint Manchester Metropolitan University and Newcastle-under-Lyme College initiative are looking to recruit males aged between 16 and 18 of good footballing ability to join the programme.

The course allows young people to combine playing football at a high level with studying for a BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in sports, performance and excellence qualification.

Nigel Deeley, Head Coach, said: “Thanks to the strong partnership between MMU and NULC, those who are accepted can expect to receive the very best education and training, both on the football field and in the classroom.

“The standard is high and competition for a place in the football academy is always fierce.”

Academy members form part of an under-19 team based at MMU’s Crewe campus to play at a high level in the Football Conference Youth Alliance.

The open day will take place on Thursday, February 20 between 11am-3pm at the Crewe campus of MMU.

During the open day, potential students will be given a tour of the university facilities where the academy is based, take part in structured professional football coaching sessions and play a series of football-related games.

For more information and to book a place, contact academy coaches Steve Atkinson on 01612475298/07791162218 or Nigel Deeley on 01612475295/07791910307.

More information at www.nulc.ac.uk/sport