SOME of the new intake for Burnley’s football university were among fans watching the Clarets’ new Championship campaign.

Almost 20 undergraduates travelled from across the UK in advance of starting their studies at Turf Moor in September.

Season tickets form part of the welcome package for students taking finance, marketing and media versions of the new football business degrees, offered in partnership with Bucks New University.

Jake Harrision, 18, from Padiham, a former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar student, was not even sure he was going to end up at university.

“But my family heard about this and they said that I had to apply,” said the Padiham FC reserves right-winger.

“I knew from the age of five that I wanted to work in football, so a place like this can genuinely give me an opportunity to do that.”

Zakk Spencer, 19, who was born in Burnley and later moved to Telford, knew the course was right for him.

He said: “The fact that I had been studying media and business, and then found out they were doing degrees at my favourite club, was enough for me.”

Celtic fan Ryan Aitken, 17, has football in the blood and was determined to get a start in the game wherever he could.

His father, Gary, was a popular agent north of the border, and Ryan’s godfather is the Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray.

Ryan added: “I always wanted to be involved in football, but I just didn’t have the ability.”