The Biggleswade United football academy has been born. The Second Meadow club has launched a new football and education programme in conjunction with North Hertfordshire College. The scheme will start this September. All academic studies and training will

The Biggleswade United football academy has been born.

The Second Meadow club has launched a new football and education programme in conjunction with North Hertfordshire College. The scheme will start this September.

All academic studies and training will be based at the college's Hitchin site.

It is aimed at school leavers and the course provides aspiring young players the opportunity to continue their academic studies while developing their footballing ability at the same time.

The initial aim is to break into senior football at Biggleswade United.

The two-year programme, based around BTec sports studies, caters for students with varying academic qualifications.

Students who enrol on the course will have access to nine hours per week of professional coaching with the added attraction of playing competitive fixtures.

Keith Jackson, the chairman of Biggleswade United, said: "We're delighted to partner North Hertfordshire College on this exciting new initiative.

"Biggleswade United want to build on their reputation as a community driven club.

"By coaching and educating young players, this scheme can only strengthen our policy of looking for local players to represent their local club."

If you are interested, please call Keith Jackson on 01462 731726 or Terry O'Keefe at the college on 01462 424242 (ext 4620).

* Biggleswade United's first team are playing in the final of the Beds Senior Cup tonight (Thursday) against Leighton Town.

The game, which kicks off at Arlesey Town FC at 8pm, was postponed on Monday night due to a waterlogged pitch.