Sandwell College's Albion students are tip top

Sandwell College's West Bromwich Albion Foundation Football Academy have their sights set on glory in their debut season.

The boys are currently unbeaten in the English Colleges Football Association (ECFA) West Midlands Category Three Premier Division.

They've won against Heart of Worcestershire College, Solihull Sixth Form College, Stourbridge College (BMet) and King Edward VI College, Stourbridge.

Draws against Stafford College and Stratford-upon-Avon College have also helped them to the top of the table with 11 points.

The team train twice a week under the guidance of West Bromwich Albion academy coach Dan Bryson and play every Wednesday afternoon under the Albion name in a college-structured league.

Sport studies lecturer and learning development coach Joshua Greaves said: "The lads have made a great start to the season. They are on course to win the league if they continue their current form."

The college's sport studies department introduced the football academy to attract school leavers looking to combine their course with football opportunities.

Students work towards a BTEC Level 3 Sport qualification and develop their football playing ability with coaches who have direct links to Albion's academy and scouts.

Albion training and playing kit is worn for all college activities and fixtures and the academy also get the chance to play a match at the Hawthorns during the close season.

Exceptional players could earn the opportunity to pursue a professional or semi-professional career.

The talented youngsters also recently visited St George's Park national football centre for a tour of the facilities and an hour-and-45 minute-coaching session on the indoor third generation surface.

An open trial for next season is taking place on Monday, February 15 between 12 and 2pm at Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury.

Players should bring moulded boots and shin pads for the 3G surface pitch.