A SCHEME to train youngsters to be footballers while they study for academic qualifications has been launched in Darlington.

A group of teenagers, aged 16 to 19, have joined the Goals initiative at Darlington College of Technology, which is being run in conjunction with Darlington Football Club.

The young footballers on the course are trained by coaches from Darlington FC but are also studying for qualifications in a variety of subjects at the college.

They attend normal lectures every morning and all day on Thursday, but spend the rest of the time in football coaching sessions.

The leader of the project, George Tofarides, said: "We think this is the first scheme in the country where a college works hand-in-hand with a professional football club.

"It means the students have a professional qualification to fall back on if they can not break into a career in football.

"They can take courses such as a Btec in catering or sports science, or any of the other subjects offered by the college."

The course ensures students work as hard in the classroom as on the field, with training sessions cut if academic studies are not completed.

Mr Tofarides said: "So far there has been no need to cut football practice, as the students have all given their full commitment to both parts of the course."

This year, the course has just been open to boys and 38 have taken up the challenge, but the college is planning to open it up to girls next year, with all students working together. Training sessions are held at Maiden Castle, in Durham, where the Darlington FC team regularly train.

Mr Tofarides said: "Some of the lads will be looking to go into the Darlington youth team and have been spotted already to play for the team and for the reserves.

"Others could be seen playing in the college league or Under-19s league by other talent scouts who watch these games."

The students took part in pre-season training from July and started their studies in August. Last month they began combining the two for the first time.

Mr Tofarides said: "We are confident this course will produce excellent footballers as well as ensuring the young people are set up for life outside the game."