SOCCER stars of the future will benefit after Burnley was selected to take part in a four-year Football Association development programme.

Under the FA scheme, a grassroots revolution should take place in the junior game locally, from increasing the number of young players to promoting better management standards.

But the plan could also bring extra sporting benefits to the borough. Early talks are already underway with private industry regarding the provision of new football facilities at the Prairie Playing Fields.

Currently a lack of changing facilities at the Prairie is hampering the development of girls and junior boys sides, because of a lack of segregation Work will also need to be conducted to improve pitches at Higher Towneley and Fennyfold fields, in a similar upgrade programme as has previously been adopted for the Prairie.

An upgrade is also forseen for the plastic pitch at the new Shuttleworth College at Padiham, which is set to open in September 2008.

The existing artificial playing surface could be replaced with a 'third generation' synthetic pitch, under the development plan.

And in Briercliffe assistance will be given to the junior football club to develop two mini-soccer areas for local players.

Gerard Vinton, the council's leisure and recreation head, said: "This plan is important to provide a clear sense of direction to everyone in the game."

Consultants for the FA laid out the framework for the development plan but it was significantly revised by the local Playing Pitch Partnership, football development group and council officers to reflect local priorities.

Executive members have endorsed the draft plan, subject to finetuning by the leadership and community scrutiny committee and final agreement by Coun Roger Frost, leisure executive member, and council leisure chiefs, later in the year.

The development plan, which runs until 2012, will focus on increasing the number of youngsters playing the game, and preserving existing numbers, and developing better skills among five to 11 year olds.

Young players will also be reminded how to conduct themselves properly on the field, while managers will also receive advice about the best ways of running teams.

Burnley's development will be one of six pilot schemes around the north-west.