FOOTBALL-loving school leavers will have the chance to sign up for a new and ‘unique’ course at Weston College.

The college has teamed up with Weston Football Club to offer a national diploma in sport, starting this September, which allows students to play full-time football.

The level three BTEC course is the equivalent of three A-levels and students will train daily and learn about coaching and sport.

Teaching the course, football FA-licenced coach, Ryan Northmore, said: “Weston College’s Football Academy is one of the top teams in the UK but is the only team in the league that plays with part-time students.

“This way students play every day along with lessons and it’s a unique opportunity to carve out a career in football without students compromising long-term employment prospects.”

Anyone who is interested in applying should attend trials at the football club in Kewstoke Road from 4-6pm on March 28.

Ryan added: “We are holding a series of trials to ensure that the students who are offered a place on the course are suitable.

“For the quality of practical sessions to remain high the group need to be of a good standard.

“Players that do not make it through the trial can still access the academy programme while studying at the college, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that students on these programmes will gain full access as timetables may clash.”

For more details email wsmafc@hotmail.co.uk marked for the attention of Ryan Northmore.