The college is giving youngsters the chance to join the post-16 Football Development Centre.

Gary Douglas, director of sport at Ashington High School Sports College said: "The football development initiative is an exciting project.

"We hope that through a passion for football more students will be encouraged to further both their academic and sporting potential by staying on into full-time post-16 education".

All coaching at the high school will be delivered by experienced qualified coaches where students will receive a minimum of six hours coaching and playing time per week, alongside their academic studies.

Students will work daily on their fitness and technique and gain knowledge of other key issues such as diet, nutrition, sports injuries and lifestyle management.

League games will be played in the Northumberland Schools' U19 League with entries made to both local and national cup competitions.

Students will also have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications in a range of areas, including, Community and Higher Sports Leadership, FA Level 1 Coaching Award, FA Emergency Aid Award, FA Child Protection Award and FA Refereeing Qualifications.

Those successful in the football development programme will also provide a range of further opportunities, giving students the chance to progress into employment in the sport, leisure and recreation industry, overseas coaching and American College Sponsorships coaching, refereeing and physiotherapy.

Anyone interested in this programme should contact the school and ask for an expression of interest form or call (01670) 812166.