YOUNGSTERS at a newly set up school football academy are eagerly awaiting their first get together in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year Darwen Aldridge Community Academy joined together with Clitheroe Football Club to form a new partnership with its football academy.

Students are now back at school and are looking forward to meeting up for the first time, which is set to take place next week.

Chris Worthington, football academy director at DACA said: "The lads are all raring to go.

"We were in school for results day and they were asking if there was anything they could do to ge ready for it.

"All the pupils were obviously excited that we've got a professional club to work with.

"Everyone is just excited for it all to get going now."

Fixtures have been been released and the side will be facing Rochdale College at home in their first game.

An opening evening was held over the summer to welcome the 32 pupils who will be joined the academy next year.

The pupils will receive training from Clitheroe staff including manager Simon Haworth who played for Cardiff City, Coventry City, Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers in his career.