UNEMPLOYED people in Blackburn are being given a sporting chance to get back into the world of work.

A new training scheme, the first of its kind in the North of England, is being launched at the end of this month aimed at finding jobs for people through football coaching and other outdoor activities.

Run by York-based Inspire2Independence (I2I) in association with Job Centre Plus and funding from the European Social Fund the I2I Academy will be based at Ewood Park and will run for 27 months.

And the two-week sessions, which get under way on January 23, will help between 12 and 15 people with confidence building, motivation, CV writing and mock interviews. But not in an office or classroom.

Director of I2I James Gore said: "The normal methods won't work with a lot of people, often you find they've been round the system and had no luck.

"The fact that it's based at the football club is different for a start and we use different techniques.

"Rather than talk and chalk in a classroom we use football, community coaching and other outdoor pursuits.

"We draw parallels between sports and outdoor activities to make people more employable through things like problem solving, teamwork, IT training and other basic key skills.

"At the end of the day though it's all about getting people back into work."

The courses are free and participants receive lunch, transport expenses, a graduation meal, a tracksuit and matchday tickets.

And they will be given the unique opportunity to learn at the home of Blackburn Rovers.

Mr Gore added: "We had a look at the whole of the North West and Blackburn was the most pro-active place as far as education was concerned."

It is hoped local businesses will also get involved in the training scheme while "graduates" will receive a further 27 weeks one-to-one support at the end of the course.

The Academy will run from Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm.

For more information contact Job Centre Plus in Blackburn on 01254 343601.