KICKING off at Kendal College is an innovative leisure course for the football crazy.

Ten sporty students have already signed up for the programme, which is a partnership with Lancashire Football Association.

Featuring nine hours of football every week, the course gives students the opportunity to achieve an advanced leisure and recreation qualification over two years, or an intermediate leisure and tourism certificate after one year.

The first trial day saw applicants showing off their football skills and being interviewed on the touch-line.

All were successful.

Mike Cawthorn, of the college's leisure and tourism department, said there was an air of excitement about the new course, which could prove a good training ground for careers in football, team coaching and even working abroad for holiday companies.

It could also lead to higher

qualifications in sports therapy, sports studies and physiotherapy.

Mr Cawthorn said it was very unlikely that top football managers like Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson would approach the students, as players had usually been talent-spotted by the time they were 12 or 13.

However, a career in semi-professional football could be on the cards.

* Another trial day has been lined up for August 23, and anybody interested can contact the college on 01539-724313.

The course begins on September 3.