REDDITCH United Football Academy will be expanding in September with a new learning partner and new courses available.

The programme, which is heading into its second season, will allow students to gain recognised sports qualifications alongside performance football coaching, both of which will be delivered at the club’s Trico Stadium.

The course will run in collaboration with Educate2Perform, giving students the opportunity to gain an A-Level equivalent vocational sport qualification in tandem with the football programme.

And from September 2018, there will also be an offer of university level education which is set to establish the programme as one of the biggest in the area.

Students will benefit from technical coaching, football-specific fitness sessions and plenty of opportunities to test out their skills representing Redditch United in their junior and senior teams.

In addition, a variety of employability opportunities will be available to the scholars with placements working for Redditch United within community coaching, performance analysis and media.

Reds chairman Chris Swan said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone wishing to gain employment in football and sport to develop their knowledge and employability as well as provide a window into senior football.

“We hope to utilise the skills of our scholars to support the first team and our community coaching.”

Educate2Perform director David Faulkner said: “We are really happy to have linked with Redditch United to expand their academy offer with college and university courses.

“The £900,000 investment at the Trico Stadium has made this a great place to hold education and football”.

Anyone interested in the programme can visit Redditch United Football Academy’s new website at www.rufcacademy.com or email info@rufcacademy.co.uk .

The website also includes information for open events and pre-season trials which take place throughout July and August.