TRIALS for the next generation of talented footballers will be held this week for young athletes to test out their talent on the pitch.

Darlington Football Club announced earlier this month that it will deliver a training and schooling programme for teenagers from their ground at Blackwell Meadows to offer BTEC qualifications alongside practical football training.

The club hopes its Football Academy Study Programme will inspire young athletes to continue making sporting achievements while keeping up with studies with the first intake of 16 to 18-year-olds being welcomed in September.

A trial day will be held on Sunday, April 22, at Blackwell Meadows, starting at 11am.

Registrations at the event will be followed by a trial game on the main pitch with information on the qualification offered being given to parents and prospective students.

Players must provide their own training kit, shin pads, boots and water bottles, however refreshments will be available on behalf of the Rugby Club.

All students will continue their football development through the training programme delivered by a coaching team led by Darlington FC and academy manager, Tommy Wright and head coach Alan White.

The coaching team will work alongside SCL Education Group, which already provides programmes at clubs including Premiership team West Ham United.

For more information or for anyone interested in the trial day, application and registration forms can be found online academy.darlingtonfc.co.uk and register@wearescl.co.uk