FC Halifax Town are holding youth-team trials at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School on Friday, June 28.

Members of the Shaymen's youth and first-team coaching staff will be casting their eyes over local talent in the current under-16 to under-17 age group (current school year 11 and 12).

Successful players will be given a two-year scholarship with the Shaymen and will combine an academic qualification with full-time professional football training.

Players will also have the opportunity to compete in the Football Conference Youth League and Cup competitions, as well as the FA Youth Cup.

Steve Nichol, newly appointed as head of community, junior and youth development at FC Halifax Town, said: “It is a unique one or two-year course where we aim to create the best possible environment for players to excel in the classroom, as well as on the pitch, and make strides towards our first team, professional football or university courses, as the programme will include the added security of achieving a recognised qualification.

“This could be a great opportunity for those players who have been released by a professional club but still have an aspiration to progress their football career, or maybe ‘the unpolished diamond’ that has slipped through the net and need the right environment to develop their ability."

To register for the trial, contact Steve on 07572-154 200 or e-mail stevenichol@fchalifaxtown.com.