Radcliffe Borough have been chosen by the Evo-Stik League to launch a new-style youth academy.

The Stainton Park-outfit is one of 10 clubs invited by the league to take part in the scheme, which is the brainchild of Boro manager Kevin Glendon.

He is on the lookout for young footballers to join Boro’s academy, which will combine further education with giving players their first taste of the semi-professional game.

“I was approached to run an academy at Radcliffe, but the idea was to play in a normal college league and I didn’t really fancy that,” Glendon said. “I wanted to create something different.

“We are always getting calls from college students asking if they can join our youth team, probably because they feel there is more prestige playing for a non-league club than a college team.

“So I came up with the NPL Academy, where the teams play each other and the lads represent the club’s youth team.

“I went to the league and they thought it was a fantastic idea and we’re up and running.”

The initial pilot programme, which is due to start in September, will provide places for around 200 students throughout the 10 clubs. They will be aged 16-18 and will study for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport.

During the two-year course, students will work with FA licensed coaches on a daily basis and compete in the Evo-Stik NPL Academy League, as well as national competitions, including the FA Youth Cup.

Chairman Bernard Manning said: “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as one of the pilot clubs and look forward to being involved in such an innovative programme that has already received such positive feedback. “Playing in this league is a real plus for those young players who want to test themselves while still receiving the excellent educational package.”

The scheme will run alongside existing youth set-ups at participating clubs, which include Mossley, Witton Albion, Leek Town, Lancaster City, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town and Burscough.

West Brom defender and former Boro player Craig Dawson is a big fan of the project.

He said: “The NPL was a big factor in helping me achieve my ambitions. Studying for a sports degree while playing at semi-professional level meant I could improve my education while developing as a player, and this initiative can have the same impact.”