LANCASTER City are looking for young footballers who want to combine sport with education.

The club still needs more players to join their youth academy, which is being run in conjunction with Myerscough college.

In particular, they are emphasising that, as well as giving young footballers the chance to improve their skills and join up with an ambitious club, the two year scheme can also be a springboard to higher education.

Students will learn about subjects as diverse as sports psychology, nutrition and anatomy, as well as two days a week playing football. Minimum qualifications are four GCSEs at grades A to C.

City's chief executive Mike Parkinson said: "We have worked long and hard setting this up and our own under-18 side will be largely made up of students from the course, but it is also a great way for the best young players in the area to develop their game and get a very worthwhile qualification at the same time."

Course tutor Paul Woodlands said: "Parents especially are often worried about encouraging their children to pursue a career in football because so few make it to the professionals, but this course is also a step to higher education and that is reassuring."

Trials for the course are already under way, and more details are available from the football club on 01524 382238. Out of hours, potential students can contact Bill Byrne on 07961 919327 or Dave McKevitt on 01524 63712.