MIDDLESBROUGH Futsal Club are launching two full-time Under-19s teams - one boy’s team and one girls team - in September.

The first trials to get selected will take place on April 8 from 1pm-3pm at Stockton Riverside College’s SRC Sports Centre in Billingham with more to be announced.

With training programmes mirroring futsal academies in Spain, developed by UEFA B futsal coach, Damon Shaw, coupled with a BTEC Sport qualification, scholars are going to be treated to a top class professional environment with opportunities to play in The FA Futsal Super League for Boro and a path to the England national team, both of which could lead to professional opportunities in the future.

“We are excited to launch this project, which has been in the pipeline for a couple of years, to offer an amazing futsal opportunity to school leavers of Teesside,” said Damon Shaw.

“It is coming at a perfect time for the club as we move into a North/South national league and as we move to our new home in Middlesbrough.”

The BTEC Sport qualification, available at Levels 1, 2 and 3, will be delivered by Stockton Riverside College at the SRC Sports Centre in Billingham.

The scheme is open to those who want to train and play futsal in an elite setting, while studying for a BTEC Sport qualification.

Stockton Riverside College’s Head of Department for Health, Care and Sport, Sue Azadi said: “This is an exciting opportunity for successful candidates to develop skills in an increasingly popular sport, whilst gaining a nationally-recognised qualification.”

During the course students will also be able to earn additional qualifications that will help in gaining employment in the sports and leisure industry such as refereeing qualifications and coaching badges. There will also be opportunities to gain coaching experience in Middlesbrough and in Spain, through the club's excellent links to Barcelona.

Middlesbrough Futsal Club is the only club in the North East competing in the top level of futsal in England. Next season, the men's senior team will compete in the new FA Futsal Super League, with UEFA Champions' League qualification the aim. Futsal is a growing sport, with opportunities to play for England or professionally in the UK and Europe.

Trials are taking place on Wednesday 8th April between 1pm and 3pm at Stockton Riverside College’s SRC Sports Centre, Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, TS23 3BH.

For further information and to register your interest visit www.borofutsal.com/scholarship