This September begins the second year of the PNE Futsal Academy and places are still open for enrolment to school leavers.
For those who fill out an interest form, we will be organising trial games in the near future against teams such as Blackburn Rovers and Fleetwood Town.
These games will be an opportunity for potential new students to have a go at futsal and see if the athletic aspect of this course is something that they would enjoy.
This programme combines both classroom education and on-pitch futsal training practice and is considered an alternative to the traditional college experience.
On the academic front, students will work towards a BTEC Level Three Extended Diploma in Sport, which is an equivalent of up to three A-levels.
Once they gain these qualifications, graduates have many options including continuing their sport education at university level, or gaining employment in coaching or a similar sport and leisure related field.
Athletically, the team trains to improve their futsal skills and overall fitness level.
Futsal is the fastest growing indoor sport and is the only officially recognised form of indoor football accepted by both UEFA and FIFA.
It is a very fast paced five-a-side sport, played on a smaller pitch with a size four ball and hockey-sized goals.
This year one of the many athletic successes of the PNE futsal academy was being featured on Soccer AM and qualifying in the Soccer AM Futsal Cup.
It is important to note that this programme is not just for elite football performers, but also for footballers of all abilities that have a passion for the game.
Our students have the opportunity to receive lessons taught by some of the first team players, as well as having the opportunity to attend all PNE home games as guests of the football club.
For those interested in applying, there are entry requirements established by the Football League Trust Education and Futsal programme.
These requirements include having four A-C GCSEs including English and Maths, or a BTEC Level Two.
For more information or to express interest in the course, please contact the Sir Tom Finney Foundation on 01772 693322 or email community@pne.com.