GARY Bowyer has backed the rise of Futsal at Blackburn Rovers – with the club joining neighbours Burnley and Accrington Stanley by offering scholarships for next season.

Futsal is a variant of football played indoors on a smaller pitch.

Via their Community Trust, Rovers are now looking for 20 players to take up offering a Futsal and education scholarship, starting in September.

Burnley and Stanley launched their scholarships last year and are continuing with the FA-backed scheme for the new season.

“I’m a big fan of Futsal,” said Rovers manager Gary Bowyer, who has stepped up from his previous role as development coach.

“It’s something that we introduced at the Academy a while ago now and we have enjoyed success at tournament level. The technical benefits of it are massive.

“The FA and the Premier League are right behind it and with the World Cup coming up in Brazil next year, it’s definitely something that’s going to come more and more into the English game.

“We’re delighted that we can be part of it.”

The scholarship is open to male players between the ages of 16 and 19 and will see participants compete for Rovers against other professional clubs in the Football League.

Students can earn qualifications that will help them gain employment in the sport and leisure industry, and potentially with the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

Rovers plan to extend the course to female players in the near future.

For further information on the scholarship, contact the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust on 1254 296256 or email info@brfctrust.co.uk.