WIMBORNE Town’s academy is set to provide youngsters with a chance to undertake full-time education with the club.

Aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds, the course, which will earn graduates a level three diploma in sport, is accepting applications ahead of its launch date on Monday, April 6.

Opportunities for youngsters will include a competitive games schedule, as well as an employability programme with exit routes to a varied range of roles within sport.

Former Wimborne Town boss Matty Holmes, who took over as community and academy director of football in September, said: “We can now work with the school leavers and bring them in on a full-time education football programme.

“We can work with them in the week and then they can go on and play in our under-18s, into the development squad with the reserves and hopefully get on the bench quite early with Danny (Holmes) in the first team.

“The beauty of what we have got is a Southern League football team competing at a good non-league level.

“We are just looking forward to try to give youngsters an opportunity. If we can work with local players who are good quality, then there is a huge pathway through.”

For more information, or to register for a place on the programme, contact matty.holmes@wimbornetownfc.co.uk