Pilot for 'elite' football school

The academy is open to pupils who show a talent in football

An academy which aims to produce the next generation of elite footballers will open its doors in Falkirk in August.

The joint venture between Falkirk Council and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) will be based at Graeme High School.

The two-year pilot programme is one of only two in Scotland.

As a result, a number of talented boys and girls will receive high level football coaching on a weekly basis.

The academy is open to primary seven pupils attending schools across the Falkirk Council area who have shown a talent in football.

This is a very exciting project for young people Nigel Fletcher Falkirk Council

Those chosen to join will have to complete a placing request to attend Graeme High and will be given a minimum two-year co-ordinated training and support programme designed by the SFA.

It will be delivered by specialist coaches and additional experts in fitness training and physical conditioning.

Pupils' timetables will be altered to allow them to participate in the academy during curriculum time.

Nigel Fletcher, the council's head of educational support, said: "This is a very exciting project for young people.

"We are providing this as part of the curriculum which brings young people together as a team and gives them a lot more support.

"We will be carrying out a rigorous screening process and candidates will be selected not only on their football ability, but also their ability to learn, listen and focus.

"We hope that it will inspire young people."

'Early promise'

A spokesman for the SFA said: "The main aim of this academy is to give training and support to the best young footballers as they enter secondary school.

"As this is a pilot, it's difficult to know the outcome but we hope it will be a template for other areas in Scotland."

He added: "This is a very exciting opportunity for young boys and girls showing early promise."

The closing date for applications is 25 May with two open evening information sessions to be held on 14 May at Graeme High and 17 May at Stenhousemuir Primary.

Trials will be held for the first stage of selection to the academy at Graeme High on 5 June.