LOVE football and fancy a career in sport which could lead to playing in professional and semi-professional football?

Silsden AFC is the latest organisation to partner with Leeds United Sports College as part of the Elite Player Development Scholarship.

Students aged 16 to 18 years who are interested in taking on the two-year course will study a Level 3 BTEC in sport which will cover the core elements of performance and excellence and will be delivered by specialist tutors at Elland Road.

An open evening detailing the course is to be held in Silsden and will help enable parents and students to learn more about the scholarship.

The course will particularly suit those who are wanting to enter employment in the sports industry as either a sports coach, physio, sports scientist or for those wishing to progress to higher education to study a sport-related degree such as coaching, sports therapy or sports science.

The coaching and games programme as part of the course will be managed by Silsden AFC with opportunities for player pathways into professional and semi-professional football or international scholarships.

Spencer Taylor, Head of Education at Leeds United, said: “I’m delighted with the launch of this partnership with Silsden AFC. After visiting the club and looking around the facilities, it was clear to see how community focused the club are.

“They have aspirations for development beyond football and they will place the quality of their player’s educational experience at the heart of this new programme.”

Danny Forrest, Silsden AFC First Team Manager, said: “To go into partnership with such a prestigious club on such a positive project shows how serious we are about developing young players and giving them pathways and opportunities to experience the professional football world and also create pathways directly in to our semi professional football club.”

“We want to be a hotbed for talent in the local community and wider area, and this programme will help bridge the gap from grass roots to semi professional football.”

“We are a growing and ambitious club with a high standard of facilities and this programme will see them used to their potential which is fantastic. We want to create an environment where young people will thrive and if we can support them on their journey in to sport while also developing some players for the first team that would be fantastic.”

Head of youth at Silsden AFC Brian Blackwell, who will head up the football side, said: “Myself and Danny have shared a vision for Silsden AFC and youth development in the area.

“We want to provide an outstanding Football and Education Programme and partnering with Leeds United will do just this.

“Our aim is to create pathways in to professional and semi professional football at Silsden AFC focusing on individual player development. The coaching will be lead by First Team UEFA licensed staff.

"This is an amazing opportunity for young people in Silsden and the local surrounding areas and we are proud to offer such a high quality programme.”

The open evening will be at The Cobbydale Construction Stadium on Wednesday, May 16, from 6pm.

To reserve a place email brianblackwell10@yahoo.co.uk