Former professional footballer Marvin Brown will launch a football academy course at the John Bentley School, in September.

The course, for boys who have achieved five A* to C in their GCSEs, will be run by Mr Brown who has played for Bristol City and the England under-18s.

It will run alongside a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in sport, offering students a mix of academic study with coaching sessions and the chance to play in the English Colleges League.

Students will learn about living a healthy lifestyle, fitness, nutrition and other life skills such as teamwork, self-awareness, persistence and determination.

They will also have the chance to complete coaching and refereeing qualifications, as well as first aid and child protection certificates.

Mr Brown has been running the Pro Soccer Academy Development Centre for Wiltshire-based school children for the past four years. In that time he has seen 12 of his players join professional clubs.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to receive professional academy standard coaching alongside excellent academic provision.

“After two years, career pathways include universities with high-performing sports teams, US soccer scholarships, sports coaching and professional football trials, giving students a broad range of opportunities.”

Call (01249) 818100.