A PROFESSIONAL footballer-turned-teacher, who played at Wembley three times during his career, is setting up a football academy in Poole.

Tim Sills, a PE teacher at Poole High School, was a professional footballer for seven years and enjoyed a rewarding career playing in the National League with the likes of Torquay United, Aldershot Town, and Oxford United.

He played at Wembley as many times as Cristiano Ronaldo - and one more than Lionel Messi - scoring once in a play-off final for Torquay in front of 34,000 people.

This September, Tim is taking on the new role of Head of Football Academy at Poole High and will lead a football and education programme open to all male and female 16 to 18-year -olds.

Sixth form students will have one timetabled hour every day devoted to their football development through training sessions, gym workouts, matches and recovery sessions.

Tim said he was "delighted" to be able to give something back to young players just beginning their football journeys.

"I was lucky enough to live my childhood dream of playing professional football, and I always wanted to go into a career where I could continue to make a difference to people, which is why I chose teaching so that I could have a positive impact on young people," he said.

"Running our new football academy allows me a specific opportunity to pass on my football knowledge and experience to young men and women who want the chance to improve their footballing ability, while also studying at our incredibly successful sixth form."

He added: "I am not promising that everyone will go on to have a successful career in football, but having been involved in semi-professional football as well, the rewards can still be fruitful, and for some it will mainly serve as an effective catharsis against any stress they may feel from their everyday studies."

The Academy will run in conjunction with the school’s Elite Performance Programme, run by fellow PE teacher Lee Francis - also a semi-professional footballer - and will include benefits such as sessions with sport psychologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists.

Further information on the initiative will be available at the upcoming Football Academy Open Evening to be held at Poole High on Thursday, April 6, from 6.30-7pm.