SELBY Town FC are to start offering education in the community through the delivery of BTEC Sports qualifications.

The club, in partnership with Football Family and All Star Football Academy, have announced that the programme will be available from August.

Suitable for all school leavers, these qualifications offer an alternative to the traditional college environment by providing study and coaching within a semi-professional football club.

The qualifications cover a wide range of topics including fitness training, leadership in sports, planning and running sporting events, and coaching.

These national qualifications can be used to achieve entry to university or to improve job prospects within the sports industry.

Spokesman for Selby Dave Haddock said: “We’re really proud to be able to offer these qualifications and to provide such a unique opportunity to our community at such an important stage in their lives.

"By studying with us, students will receive a high standard of education while also receiving coaching from former York City player Christian Fox.

"We also hope that students will make the most of being part of a football club, and will take the opportunity to gain experience in other areas of the club such as working on the website, marketing, or assisting toward making the match day experience a success.”

The club are holding an open evening on Friday, March 2 and invite anyone interested along. See www.studyandtrain.co.uk to find out more and fill in an interest form.

Meanwhile, at their home games on February 22 and 25 (Saturday and Tuesday), Selby Town will be collecting food for Selby Foodbank.

Haddock added: "We would like to encourage all supporters to 'bring a tin'. Everything is welcome but the foodbank website gives details of the items they are most in need of.

"Selby Town are hoping all fans will get behind the idea, which will have a fantastic impact on the people of Selby and the wider community."

See selbydistrict.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/ for more information.