Young people aged 16-18 can kickstart their career by attending an open day on Wednesday 7 December at Walsall FC to find out about a new vocational sports programme.

Walsall Adult and Community College (WACC) have linked up with Walsall FC to launch a new Sports Academy beginning in January 2012 that will give young people based in Walsall the chance to embark on a six-month full-time course in a sports specific environment.

Seventeen placements are up for grabs and young people who are interested in enrolling are invited to attend the open day, where they’ll be able to take part in some coaching sessions and get a tour of the ground, at the Banks’s Stadium on Wednesday 7 December from 9am to 3pm.

The full time course will enable young men and women who are not yet in employment, education or training (NEETs) to complete a City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Sports, a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, a Level 1 Sports Leaders Award as well as improving their literacy and numeracy skills.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to look for apprenticeship opportunities or seek employment as lifeguards, other leisure centre positions or become a personal trainer. Help will also be on hand to help talented youngsters start their own business.

Maria Gilling, principal at Walsall Adult & Community College said: “The WACC Sports Academy programme will inspire young people to consider the many varied and exciting opportunities in sport, especially in the run-up to London 2012.

“The programme will provide development opportunities for all academy members to realise their full performance potential.

“It really is a fantastic programme which creates so many sporting opportunities and sporting pathways.”

The 5 day per week programme will be split across various venues in the borough, including time spent at the college’s Hawbush Campus in Leamore, coaching sessions at the Banks’s Stadium and the Education Development Centre in Rushall.

To find out more or to book your place on the open day on 7 December, please call Walsall Adult & Community College on 01922 654510.