A new post-16 education course is aiming to help young people in Chester turn their passion for sport into a career.

Chester FC Community Trust, the football club's charity, has teamed up with Access Sport College to develop the Chester FC Football & Education Programme.

It will see learners combine academic study with coaching placements and football training.

The two-year course, which will be based at King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon, gives 16- to 18-year-olds the chance to complete a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Development and Coaching qualification.

The King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon.

The King George V Community Sports Hub in Blacon.

Students will have opportunities to gain FA coaching qualifications, undertake real-life coaching placements and be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to progress into employment or university.

Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, said: "We're excited to be offering this new course from September 2024 and to be supporting young people who aspire to work in football and sport to achieve their ambitions.

"The course will compliment the football club's existing elite scholarship programme, which has been really successful, and aims to give students a real insight into the many careers that now exist within football, including coaching, sports science, performance analysis, media and more."

An open evening is being held on Friday, February 23, from 6pm-8pm for current Year 10 and 11 students to learn more about the course.

To register for the open evening or for further information, email community@chesterfc.com.