A secondary school is launching a new football academy with the help of Premier League manager Russell Martin.
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy announced it is launching the new initiative with the Southampton manager through his charity.
The academy says it wants to continue to help its pupils balance sporting pursuits with studying through professional coaches, with specialised kit and a bespoke curriculum.
Brighton-born Martin, who helped Southampton back to the Premier League and was recently awarded an honorary degree for his charity work, said: “We’re really proud of this new partnership.
“The aim of the foundation is centred around giving something back to the local community, and we feel a real sense of affinity with BACA and with Aldridge; like us, they’re committed to creating opportunities within an inclusive environment.
"Bringing this new football academy to life, instilling a belief in the students here that they can achieve, and setting them up for their successful next steps through training with UEFA-qualified professional coaches – well, it feels like the start of something really exciting.”
Under the new academy, launched through the Russell Martin Foundation, the academy will provide coaching programmes from professional athletes as well as an individual curriculum.
The academy will also benefit from special kit and overseas tours to play fixtures.
The initiative follows Baca’s cricket academy, which is run in partnership with Sussex Cricket.
Baca principal Jack Davies said: “I am personally so passionate about sport, and the valuable life skills it can deliver for young people. To be able to provide a professional football programme for our students, alongside our thriving cricket programme, is a unique and exciting opportunity.
“As principal, I am committed to preparing and supporting our pupils to go on to pursue careers they are passionate about, contributing positively to society, and living happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives.
“Our motto here at Baca is 'believe you can': we want our students to excel on and off the pitch, and I’d warmly invite our current and any prospective students and their parents to come and see everything our new Baca Sports Academy has to offer.”
Baca will hold open trials for the academy from Tuesday to Thursday, September 17 to 19.
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