A FOOTBALL academy is holding trials to try to find sporting stars of the future.

Rush Croft Sports College in Rushcroft Road, Chingford, has set up an academy to help talented players aged 16 to 19, as part of its BTEC National Diploma in sports.

It is due to open in September and former student and Aston Villa defender, Curtis Davies, who is an ambassador, will be helping out at the trials for the academy in March.

Partnership Development Manager for the school, Lawrence Ashworth, said the school has a good track record of boys making it onto the under-16 England team and progressing to play on premier league youth teams.

He said: “The BTEC has been running successfully for several years, but now we are introducing another element by linking a football academy with students following the course.

"We are hoping the academy will create a few more stars of the future.

“And we hope to produce qualified coaches who will go on to work in the community – so there's the bigger picture we are looking at.”

Mr Ashworth, who used to teach the premier league star, said he is glad to have his support.

He said: “He was involved in many sports and was chair of the school council. He was a model pupil and had a great personality.

“He is going to be a great influence on our students and is a perfect role model. We are privileged to have him."

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