BURNLEY Football Club has joined forces with Burnley College to offer 1,000 free places on a "Sport for Life" course.

In only the fourth such link-up between a football club and local college, the Clarets are following in the footsteps of Leeds United, Sunderland and Manchester City.

With backing from the Further Education Funding Council, Burnley fans and non-football followers will be able to gain a qualification and improve their lifestyle, free of charge.

And the football club is set to cash in by receiving a fee for each person it introduces to the scheme which leads to a Foundation Certificate in Exercise and Fitness, presented by Burnley players and management at a special graduation ceremony at Turf Moor.

The self-study course, developed by Burnley FC in conjunction with the college, normally costs £175 and involves the completion of three workbooks and a personal fitness programme validated by sports tutors.

Aimed at promoting fitness, a healthy lifestyle and diet, the course, which includes techniques used by the Clarets' first-team squad, can be completed at home with the help of a tutor from Burnley College via workshops or a special support hotline.

The 1,000 free places on the Sport for Life course, being launched at Burnley's home game against Blackpool on Sunday, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application forms will be available from the Turf Moor leisure centre and ticket office and Burnley College.

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