A NEW course for would-be professional footballers and sportspeople has been created by Kendal College and Kendal Town Football Club.

The Kendal Elite Football Education Programme is a two-year course, which will provide students with a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport - the equivalent of 3 A-Levels.

Aimed at anyone with a keen interest in football, the course offers a strong foothold for those interested in following a career in sport and leisure.

While attending Kendal College, students will develop football skills at Kendal Town Football Club, including having the opportunity to train with and even represent the club at youth and, potentially, senior level.

Modules will include Analysis of Sports Performance, Sports Coaching, Sports Nutrition, Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport, The Athlete’s Lifestyle, and Work Experience in Sport. There will also be the opportunity to attain a recognised 1st4sport Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football with Westmorland FA.

Andrew Lord, Sport Lecturer at Kendal College, said: “We first approached Kendal Town Football Club with the idea for this course last year and, between us, we really think we’ve put together a very strong offer.

"It’s not often you get the chance to train with an established football club and learn from professional coaching staff. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people and we expect the course to be fully subscribed by the time it starts in September.”

George Gudgeon, Kendal Town Football Club chairman, said: “We thought this was a great idea for the club and the local area when the college got in touch. At KTFC, we’re always focused on nurturing and retaining more local talent and this new programme seems like a good way of doing just that. It's also a positive way for the club to support the local community with increased sports education provision.”

Dan Ferguson, Football Development Officer at Westmorland County Football Association Limited, said: “Students will be given access to a comprehensive Coach Education programme in conjunction with Westmorland County FA and work towards a Level 1 in Coaching Football. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual to take that first step on the coaching ladder.”

The Kendal Elite Football Education Programme will be launched at Kendal College at 7pm on Tuesday,h May 17. To book a place, call 01539 814700 or email andrew.lord@kendal.ac.uk

The course will start in September 2016.