MORE students are being encouraged to make a career out of sport.

Redcar and Cleveland College has introduced a course in sport and recreation, which will be led by ex-footballer Andy McLaughlin.

He has set up a project with Tees Valley Leisure and already helped two young people find work.

Adam Theaker has joined Tees Valley Leisure as a pool lifeguard and Matthew Carribine as a recreation assistant.

They are working part-time while studying for an NVQ Level 1 in Sport and Recreation at the college. The course will allow them to progress to an NVQ level 2 from September.

Andy set up a health club in Middlesbrough before completing a teaching qualification and joining Middlesbrough College.

He said: "The college is increasing its provision of learning in sport with the advent of the new £14m site at Corporation Road.

"It's vital that people recognise the importance of sport as a career as well as a hobby, and our partnership with Tees Valley Leisure is designed to get more people like Adam and Matthew into employment."