PROMISING young footballers were put through their paces as part of selection for a new academy.

More than 100 year 11 pupils from schools across the borough took part in the trials for places at Rush Croft School's Football Academy, which is due to open in September.

The academy will teach talented players aged 16 to 19 practical skills and coaching to run alongside the school's BTEC National Diploma in sports.

Lawrence Ashworth, the school's partnership development manager, said: "The trials were beyond our expectation really - the standard has been very high.

"It allowed us to see the practical ability of the applicants.

"The academy will offer the combination of a football programme and an educational programme, so it allows students to keep their options open in terms of their future education."

Premier league star Curtis Davies, a former pupil at the school, will be the official ambassador for the academy.

Mr Ashworth, who taught the Aston Villa player, said Mr Davies will be actively involved with the academy.

"Curtis is a wonderful role model for the students," he said. "He always had the ability to take on new challenges and succeed, so he is a superb example.

"He is not just a figurehead for the academy, he will be actively involved."

There will be about 20 places available at the academy.

Interviews will be held later in the year to decide on the final group that will start at the academy in September.

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