Linnets launching new academy

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Burscough are looking forward to opening a new academy for aspiring young players.

Delighted officials at the First Division North's Linnets are set to welcome the first intake into the new Burscough Sports Academy when it opens on Wednesday 16 October after the holding the second in a series of trials at Victoria Park on Sunday.

The events were open to boys and girls aged 16-18 who were assessed academically before completing a two hour session with Burscough's FA accredited coaches to see if they fitted the club's criteria for a place at the BSA.

The Linnets are initially hoping to offer places to 26 teenagers and are already making plans to eventually take on up to 100. Students will be with them for 30 hours per week on courses leading to BTEC and City & Guilds qualifications and where eligible will receive a training allowance.

Director of Joint Learning Holly Tonge is pictured with Club President Rod Cottam, Director of Football David Hughes, Club Chairman Gary Wright and Senior Academy Official Frank Duffy at the launch of the new initiative which aims to help teenagers with a passion for the game build up their confidence, earn academic qualifications and find work placements in a wide range of businesses.

As well as preparing students for future careers inside and outside of football, the Linnets say the best players to come out of the BSA could also find themselves playing in manager Derek Goulding's first team in the Evo-Stik NPL.

Urging young players to find out more about the new project and attend future trials, Linnets spokeswoman Sharron McMillan said: "Come and join us and see if we can help you achieve a career in football. Our message is bring your boots and follow your dream. Just turn up and do your best and we will do our best to make you even better."

For more information on the Burscough Sporting Academy call 0151 236 9550.