Kick off for football scholarship

The scholarship will combine football with other studies

The University of Stirling has become the first in the United Kingdom to offer football scholarships to promising young players.

Named after teenager Craig Gowans who was killed during a Falkirk FC training accident in 2005, the scholarship will operate in partnership with the club.

The first four scholars will take up their places at the university in September.

Players will receive £2,500 a year during their studies.

The university has also announced plans to invest in professional coaching staff and are applying to join the East of Scotland League.

'Footballing talents'

Stephen Morrow, head of the department of sports studies, said: "These scholarships are designed to help students with exceptional football ability to become better players, acquire coaching skills, and study for a university degree."

Craig Gowans, 17, an apprentice central defender with Falkirk, died after being electrocuted when a pole he was carrying came into contact with power lines as he set up equipment for a training session.

George Craig, the club's managing director said the scholarship was an opportunity for players to use their brains as well as their feet in developing a career.

He added: "A substantial proportion of players are released by professional clubs when they reach the age of 18, and a sports scholarship gives them the chance to continue developing their footballing talents, but also study for a degree."