FOOTBALL hotshots from Darwen could net semi-professional contracts when a new academy is established.

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) is to launch a football academy with links to Evo-Stik Premier League side Chorley FC.

The academy is aimed at people aged 16 to 19 who are keen to pursue a career in the game.

Players will receive coaching from Chorley FC staff, including manager and ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder Garry Flitcroft, and specialist DACA staff.

It will be managed by teacher Chris Worthington, who has coached in the USA, as well as having extensive coaching experience in the North West.

Mr Flitcroft said: “This is a fantastic move for Chorley FC. By partnering with DACA, we have an opportunity to develop some potential first team stars of the future.

“They clearly recognise we are an ambitious club, with a big fanbase and great potential, and this link-up will not only provide an opportunity to develop some exciting talent, it will also open up new opportunities to expand our community activities in the area.

“The facilities at DACA are better than what you would find at some Football League clubs and another key benefit of this partnership is we can use them for first team training sessions.”

Ken Wright, chairman of Chorley FC, said: “It’s a win-win for both parties. This link-up will provide us with an avenue to develop some of the best young talent from the area and, if they are good enough to make the step up, they will get opportunities.

“It’s vital for clubs like ours to try to develop talent but until now we haven’t had the facilities, or resources, to do that.”

The football academy will have two Premier League standard pitches and a state-of-the-art sports hall, multi-use games area, professional fitness facilities, fully interactive classrooms and a full-size floodlit artificial pitch.

First trials will be held on April 12 and 13.

For an information pack and to book for the trials, call 01254 819500 or email chris.worthington@daca.uk.com.