TWO AFC Bournemouth players took time out of their busy Premier League schedule to check out the facilities at the new Bournemouth University International College.

They spoke to students and even enjoyed a quick game of football in the games room ahead of the college official opening later this month.

Sylvain Distin and Yann Kermorgant met students from a wide range of countries including, China, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.

The new International College building on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth is part of the University's Lansdowne Campus and has been built through a partnership between Bournemouth University and Kaplan International Colleges to provide a learning and living facility for international students to come to the UK to gain further academic qualifications.

The college has already supported more than 700 students of more than 50 nationalities to progress to Bournemouth University since 2013 and so far this academic year around 150 students of 39 nationalities have arrived to study at the college.

College Director Rachel Woodward Carrick said: "It was great to welcome the players. The Premier League is seen all over the world and we are delighted to be welcoming international students to study and live in a first class environment in Bournemouth."

Sylvain Distin said: "I think it's a good thing to be able to help students come from different countries. I've been through it, I moved countries and it's not easy.

Striker Yann Kermorgant, added: "I think it's a great experience for BU and for the students coming here to have that experience with different cultures. The building is nice and has great facilities."

Eyad Saleh A Alduraibi was one of the students to meet the players. He said: "I have been watching the football team and they have been great but to meet them at the college and show them the place was wonderful. They said that that they loved it and they were very impressed."

The official opening of the building will take place on October 15 and there will be a chance for the public to see the new building with an afternoon of entertainment and tours being held on Saturday October 17 from midday until 4pm.