The programme started with a pilot season this year with Leek Town, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town, Radcliffe Borough and Romulus being the inaugural members with the programme expanding to twelve clubs for the 2015/16 season.

We are delighted to have been chosen as one of those new clubs and we are now on the lookout for talented and committed young footballers who are eager to take their first steps to a career in the semi-professional game and more importantly study to earn educational qualifications.

The programme is a full time scheme where students will study for a BTEC in Sport (Level 2 & 3) which will be delivered by a college tutor who will come to the football club in the mornings before a UEFA qualified football coach will train the students in the afternoons as well as manage the side on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.

The BTEC in Sport qualification enables students to take their first steps into their chosen career in Sport which include a Physiotherapist, Coach, Agent, Masseur, Referee, Administrator, Nutritionist, Teacher etc and the pathways from the NPL Football Academy include coaching opportunities in USA, Spain and Australia as well as support with University applications.

By being a part of Belper Town FC, there are genuine progressions to play for the first team and with the football programme being held between Monday and Friday, students will still be able to play for their local junior sides at the weekend.

Recruitment is now underway to fill the 20 places available and the information evening is the first of many events that will take place between now and August 2015 when the GCSE results are released.

To register your place at the information evening on Monday 19th January, please register your details on the NPL Football Academy website at www.nplfa.co.uk or e-mail info@nplfa.co.uk.