The PNE Futsal Academy is now recruiting for the 2014-2015 school year.
To celebrate this and the success of its first year, the Academy is hosting an open day this Saturday, 22nd March, at Playfootball.net (formerly known as the Vida sports complex) in Preston at 2pm.
This is open to school leavers and boys aged 16 and 17 interested in getting more information about the Academy and their parents or guardians.
The open day will also be when athletic trials for the on-pitch aspect of the futsal Academy take place.
The Academy is an innovative two year course run through the Football League Trust Education and Futsal programme, and is an alternative to the typical college experience, this being its second year with PNE.
In the classroom, students will work toward a BTEC level three extended diploma in sport, which is considered an equivalent of up to three A-levels.
These type of qualifications open many doors for graduates of the course, such as continuing their sport education at university level, or having the skills necessary to gain employment in the coaching or sport and leisure related fields.
Athletically, the students work on improving their futsal skills in both training and games against teams from all over the country.
These games are played both in league and cup style formats.
Futsal is the only officially recognised form of indoor football accepted by both FIFA and UEFA, and is played on a smaller pitch than regular football.
This means it requires a faster reaction time and increases technical skills.
The five-a-side teams play with a size four ball and hockey sized goals.
World class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have credited futsal for the development of some of their skills.
Current staff members and students at PNE’s Futsal Academy will be onsite at the open day on Saturday to discuss the programme and answer any questions that prospective students or parents may have about the course, and explain why the Academy is such a beneficial programme.
The Football League Trust Education and Futsal programme has established some nationwide requirements for joining the course.
These include having four A-C GCSEs including English and Maths, or a BTEC level two.
Both pre-bookings and walk-ins are being accepted for the open day this Saturday.
or call 01772 693322. community@pne.comTo pre-book, please contact the Sir Tom Finney Foundation at