FORMER Sunderland and Darlington footballer players have teamed up with Teesside based training provider to provide unique opportunities for the unemployed.

Martin Gray, Brian Atkinson and Gary Bennett, former team-mates, have teamed up with Orangebox Training Solutions to lead the six-week pilot programme with only limited spaces.

People who are not in education, employment or training are invited to enrol on a fully-funded Football Academy based in Darlington, aiming to create a pathway to employment.

As well as looking to spot talent on the pitch and improve general fitness levels with the help of coach and non-league footballer Leon Scott, the ex-Black Cats and Quackers stars will help develop new skills for future employment.

The academy is set to start on May 17 at Darlington Eastbourne Sports Complex where a training kit will be supplied to those taking part at no extra cost.

Mr Gray said: "For me this is all about employability. This provides a great way to move forward and into the future after a lockdown.

“This can help people find employment while using sport as the tool to raise self-esteem and improve general wellbeing, mental health and the fight against obesity.

"It will be motivational and over the six weeks it will improve the skillset to help get a job.”

Mr Bennett, who also manages Darlington, said: "We all face challenges every single day and that might even be just getting up on a morning for many.

“The pandemic has been a challenge for everyone. Overall we have been through a tough challenge and you need something to look forward to.

"We are trying to give people the tools to deal with those challenges head on.”