TALENTED female soccer players will be able to get on the ball and keep up with their education at a new academy.

Premiership high-fliers Sunderland have teamed up with Gateshead College and Durham County FA to launch the scheme.

The club's community coaching team will help develop players' skills, while the college will provide full-time courses.

The academy will use Gateshead International Stadium, as well as college facilities at the Carr Hill Centre and Durham Road campus.

Alan Snowdon, the college's curriculum manager and assistant manager of Sunderland AFC Women, the region's leading female team, is the academy's deputy director.

He said: "The Gateshead Women's Football Academy will provide students with the best in football coaching, allied to high quality educational courses.''

Bob Oates, academy director and SAFC community development officer, said: "We are delighted to be working with Gateshead College on this exciting initiative.

"Sunderland is proud to boast the highest number of female season ticket holders in the Premiership.