FOOTBALL fanatics at a Thurrock School will be in for a unique opportunity thanks a partnership with West Ham United.

Ormiston Park Academy, Belhus Park Lane, Aveley, is joining forces with the West Ham United Foundation and West Ham United Ladies to provide students who aspire to reach the top levels of football with a sporting opportunity.

The school and football club are launching a programme that will allow students to combine exceptional academy style football coaching from West Ham Officers and UEFA licenced coaches, with the unique opportunity to study for A-Levels.

The students will be able to choose from the 20 A-Level subjects on offer at Ormiston Park Academy, or BTEC National Level 2 and 3 Sports diplomas.

The four year programme, which is the first of its kind, will be run at Ormiston Park Academy from September and is open to 16-18 year old male and female students.

Trials for the scheme will be held at Ormiston Park Academy on February 13, April 10 and May 30, from 1-3pm.

Successful students will benefit from a full training schedule including days spent at the West Ham First Team and Academy training grounds, the opportunity to gain coaching qualifications, compete in the Conference Youth Alliance League and even the prospect of securing employment with the West Ham United Foundation.

After two years, students participating on the scheme will advance onto the West Ham United Foundation Applied Community Sport Degree at the University of East London, to further achieve their goals.