Hugo Langton is recruiting football apprentices for a new scheme starting in March

Aspiring footballers are being sought to join an apprenticeship starting next month.

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The scheme, which will be based at Goals in Copers Cope, Beckenham, is initially for six months and will be full-time for youngsters aged 16 to 18.

Academy director, Hugo Langton, 37, who lives in Forest Hill, is looking for dedicated, passionate players who also want to study subjects such as maths and English.

“Not only do the apprentices get to train every day and play matches, but we provide them with education too,” he said. “We deliver an NVQ course in coaching and health related subjects. The lads will leave here with seven certificates, which also include maths and English, as well as doing first aid and child welfare.

“We’re looking for good young footballers who have perhaps fallen out of full-time education, but whose passion is for football.

“We provide the apprentices with vital work experience, which includes coaching, refereeing small sided games as well as helping to run the Goals centre.”

Mr Langton currently manages Ryman League club Horsham but has coached Gillingham Ladies, Ashford Town, Thamesmead Town and worked for Charlton Athletic.

Each apprentice completes 24 hours of work a week in return for a weekly wage. The time is made up of eight hours education, eight hours football and eight hours work experience. There will also be football matches against local and pro clubs.

Mr Langton added: “It’s a great opportunity for a young footballer to showcase what they can do. We want to further these guys and help them get some sort of career in football, whether it’s at non-league or league.

“A lot of lads get released by pro clubs in the age bracket we’re looking at, and have nowhere to go. They think their career is over. This is an opportunity to help them and to try and get them back into the game.”

n To apply for a trial, email Hugo Langton at nkfootballacademy@gmail.com with a CV and details of football experience. For more details visit www.northkent footballacademy.co.uk