by Hayley Robinson

Talented footballers are being encouraged to try out for the Sittingbourne Football Club Academy.

Lads aged between 16 and 19 are invited to apply for one of 24 places available on either a one or two-year course.

The next trial will be held at Sittingbourne Community College on Wednesday, May 16, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

Run in partnership with the college, the Academy is a youth development programme combining an elite and semi-professional football environment with educational and academic opportunity. The new post-16 recruits will train for six hours per week to prepare for games to be played at either Bourne Park, home of Sittingbourne FC, or other non-league clubs across the South East. Their ability is developed under the close guidance of UEFA A qualified head coach Graham Webb.

While developing skills on the pitch, the recruits will also study to further their careers off the field through a range of post-16 qualifications and subjects (A-levels, BTEC Level 3, Level 2s and NVQs).

Successful applicants will start in September.

Darren Collins, youth academy director, said: "This is an unrivalled opportunity for young, talented players to be treated and managed like a professional player in return for their commitment to their academic work, a good standard of behaviour and a high standard of play."

The current team put MP Gordon Henderson through his paces when he visited them to learn more about the programme.

He said: "This is a great chance for budding footballers to combine their passion and talent for football with gaining solid qualifications to support them in the future and if they get the chance to play football at a professional level that's an added bonus.

"I think a few of the current intake have the potential."

To apply for a place, visit the Sittingbourne Community College reception in Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, or contact Sittingbourne FC secretary John Pitts on 07909 995210, or email bournefc@hotmail.com

For more information visit www.sittingbourne.kent.sch.uk