A FOOTBALL club learning centre is serving as an international model for other clubs and schools.

Last week, 57 teachers from Oslo, Norway, visited the Newcastle United Learning Centre, at St James' Park.

They were so impressed with its facilities that they have decided to return with 46 pupils, aged 16 to 19.

The visit was the latest in a series of fact-finding trips to the centre by schools and football clubs from throughout Britain and Europe.

Over the past two weeks, representatives from Rotherham United, Rotherham Rugby Union Club, Norwich City, Scunthorpe United and Dundee Football Club, have spent time at the centre looking at educational provision.

The Mayor of Hartlepool, representatives of Hartlepool Football Club and local education authorities around Hartlepool have also visited.

This week, the centre will host a party of 12 Ukrainian teachers as part of a link with Newcastle City Council.

Manager Phil McBride said: "We are immensely proud our learning centre is being used as a model that other clubs and educationalists from other countries see fit to copy.

"We are only too happy to be able to pass on examples of good practice, and delighted that our centre continues to set standards."

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "Excellence on and off the field is one of our stated aims and we will be delighted to welcome the Ukrainian delegates."