THE Shakers are launching full-time football-related courses for youngsters who may have under-achieved at school or college.

Bury are showcasing the courses they have to offer at an educational open day which takes place in Gigg Lane’s Community Education Suite tomorrow starting at 2.30pm until 7.30pm, when prospective learners and their parents can look at the provision and talk to teachers and tutors.

Although the club have undertaken pilot courses before, it the first time they have embarked on full-time courses which will run from September.

Bury Community Trust are running the scheme and its manager Mike Morris said: “We are offering high quality accredited learning in a unique classroom environment within the heart of the football stadium, and practical football activity as part of a personal development plan and as a motivational tool, regardless of their ability at the game.

“All students will represent Bury against other professional clubs, such as Birmingham City, Derby County, Everton and many more.

“Involvement in these activities is both a reward for academic attendance, and also to work on important transferable skills around communication, leadership and working within a team structure.”

The provision will cater for youngsters who do not attain four A-C grades at GCSE level via their Foundation Learning Sports Certificate, and those who do achieve the grades with BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas which are equivalent to three A Levels and would qualify candidates for access to university.

“The academic qualifications within the Bury programmes are not sport specific so leave candidates open to many avenues of employment within the sports sector,” said Morris. “Fooball is simply the environment which is used to put subjects into context.

“The education suite is right inside the stadium and overlooks the pitch.”

More information is available from Mike Morris on 0161 761 1833 or 07814 163318. Otherwise anyone interested should turn up tomorrow.