AN ambitious scheme which blends academic achievement with soccer skillls is being launched by Radcliffe Borough.

The intention is to take boys at the age of 16, give them a choice of college courses which run for twelve months or two years and develop their football ability. The weekly split between the two is three days of study and two days of sport.

Last year the club was involved in a similar scheme - Football for Life - which was run in conjunction with Manchester County FA, but officials feel the time is ripe to run their own version of the Football League's YTS initiative.

Next Friday at 7pm the club will be holding soccer trials at their Stainton Park headquarters off Pilkington Road, Radcliffe and they hope to be able to offer 20 boys the opportunity of 'signing on' for their scheme.

Said a club official: "Football for Life was an excellent idea and we have developed it for Radcliffe Borough where our facilities are first class. We are able to offer B. Tech, HNC and MVQ courses at a local college and when the lads are with us they will develop their football skills, learn how to become coaches, look after the ground and get all-round job experience."

For all details of the scheme ring the club on 724 8346.