FOOTBALL-MAD teenagers are being offered the chance of a lifetime with a new course through Bournemouth and Poole College.

The Football Coaching Programme, open to 16-18-year-old boys and girls, will give youngsters the opportunity to study at AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Court stadium, combining classroom activity with pitch-based training.

Teenagers are welcome to apply, even if they have no formal qualifications, although “some GCSE passes would be preferable.”

Those selected will attend the course from Monday to Thursday from June to October.

The course is the latest in a series of new sports initiatives offered by the college including surfing studies.

“We are really excited to be working in partnership with the college and think this coaching session will be really popular,” said Steve Cuss, head of Cherries community sports trust. “AFC Bournemouth is traditionally entrenched in the local community.”

Anyone interested in enrolling is invited to go to AFC Bournemouth at 10am on Thursday May 21 when they will meet team members, tour the stadium and find out details about the course. More details about the course are available from Scott on 01202 205312.