BURNLEY Football Club has netted a first for the region - after setting up a unique centre to use the sport to encourage youngsters to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The club's leisure and community team is looking for people aged between 14 to 25 years to get involved in the initiative at Turf Moor, the first ever award centre of its kind in the North West.

The scheme will see the youngsters taking part in various activities at the club, including on match days.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a programme of self discovery which is available to all young people, regardless of background and ability.

Participants are able to discover new talents and interests, make new friends and gain greater self confidence.

Burnley FC chief executive Dave Edmundson said: "This is a new step for Burnley FC's leisure and community programme and will result in many young people engaging with the football club, to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award courses that are recognised throughout the world."

To offer more information about the award and how it works Burnley FC is holding an open event next Wednesday, September 27, in the club's leisure centre from 2.30pm to 5pm.

Interested applicants will get the opportunity to find out what is involved, ask questions and discover how, through taking part in the award, they can assist with activities on a matchday at Turf Moor.

The event will include a presentation, refreshments and the chance to enrol and receive a free match ticket for a Clarets game.

For further information, or to inquire about a volunteer to help young people achieve their potential, contact Rachel Mason, award officer on 0870 420 3969.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a charity reliant on the support of businesses to meet its commitment to help young people and those taking part.

If any companies wish to support the award at Burnley FC they should contact Louise Spencer on 0870 443 1882 for more details on how to become involved.