be the new Chaplow!

YOUNG Burnley fans are being given an amazing chance to follow in the footsteps of Richard Chaplow.

In the vein of television's Pop Idol, the Clarets have devised their own version, 'Soccer Star', where children can win a one-year training contract with the club.

Courses will be held next month, and at Easter, with all those attending having the opportunity to win a 12-month deal at Burnley Football Club's Centre Of Excellence for the 2004/05.

After that, who knows where that could take you? Certainly, Clarets starlet Chaplow began his career there, and last week the Accrington-born teenager capped his remarkable rise up the ranks by earning an England U19 call-up for next month's friendly against Holland.

And the club are vowing to offer the same opportunity at Turf Moor to anyone displaying similar burgeoning talent in the forthcoming courses.

"I'll never forget being part of the Burnley soccer schools," admitted Chaplow. "It was a fantastic experience and loads of fun. I began to learn new skills and the coaches really helped me to improve.

"Without their help and coming to the soccer schools organised by Burnley Football Club, there is no way I would be playing in the first team now.

"It's where your dreams come true. Give it a go, just look what happened to me."

Leisure and Community manager, Dean Ramsdale, added: "The Soccer Schools offer a great chance to any of the local youngsters attending them.

"Not only are the courses enjoyable for children of all standards, but if anyone shows promise or potential, they will be given the chance to come along to the Centre Of Excellence.

"There will be coaching of the highest quality for both boys and girls and most importantly our soccer schools are always fun for everyone."

The courses will take place at 17 different venues around the region through February, April and June, including Burnley, Padiham, Keighley, Skipton, Rossendale, Todmorden, Hyndburn, the Ribble Valley, Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick.

For more information, call the club.