TEENAGERS have been given the chance to kickstart a career in coaching through a new sports academy course in Bradford.

Pro Skills Education Services in Bradford has teamed up with Carlton Bolling College in Undercliffe to offer school leavers aged between 16 and 19 the opportunity.

The one-year course, which starts in September, includes coaching, practical sport and work experience coaching in schools and the community.

Between 12 and 24 places are up for grabs on the free course with students working towards a level two NVQ qualification in activity leadership.

The theory side of the students' course, including health and safety, will take place at the school and be completed by the school's teachers and will make up between six and eight hours of each week's course time. It is open to both boys and girls.

But the bulk of the course will see students helping out with sports coaching sessions at a host of Bradford schools. Organisers also hope to build up ties between sports clubs.

Carlton Bolling College is looking to fill some of the places with their existing students, who are about to leave school.

Mark Senior, 34, of Pro Skills Education Services and course co-ordinator, said it offers students a more practical way of getting into a career in sport.

He said: "This year is a pilot, we plan on getting other schools on board.

"We have been working with Carlton Bolling for a number of years.

"A lot of other courses are more theory based. It is quite different to other courses that are available. We want to get the students out there coaching.

"It will be a pretty hands-on experience for them.

"We will be taking them out to primary schools in Bradford for live coaching after the first half-term break. This course is going to be a bit more practical.

"The course is open to anyone, regardless of what sport they are interested in.

"They can take part in whatever sport they are interested in.

"I have been working at Manchester United's academy for the last eight years. I now want to pass on my knowledge to younger people coming into this industry.

"The course is about getting young people out there and being leaders and coaching. The aim is to lead to employment.

"The students need to have hands-on experience and that's what this course offers.

"If they want to be involved in the sports industry, this gives them a foot up the ladder.

"Students can apply regardless of their GCSE results, they are irrelevant for this really."

Anyone interested in applying for the course can email proskillseducation@gmail.com or call Mr Senior on 07969 870731 for an application form.