FOUR former Middlesbrough footballers are offering youngsters the chance to get tips from the top after joining forces to launch a new academy.

Boro old boys Gary Pallister, Craig Hignett, Bernie Slaven and Curtis Fleming have teamed up to create a new coaching school on Teesside: The Reds Football Academy.

The Academy, which provides professional football coaching for players of all abilities between the ages of 7 to 17-years-old, is based at the Middlesbrough Sports Village on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5.30-7.30pm.

The Reds Academy aims to follow the guidelines laid down by the Football Association’s drive to evolve its coaching education to be player-centred around the four-corner model of learning and the theory of ‘Long Term Player Development’.

And Hignett, who was No 2 at Hartlepool United before working with Aitor Karanka at the Riverside as assistant head coach, said: “We’re all tremendously excited about this project and sharing our experience and knowledge with the players.

“The aim of The Reds Football Academy is to provide top class coaching in a professional, friendly and safe environment. It's our role as coaches to help players to learn the game, to maximise their skills and to work as part of a team.”

The four corner model described by the FA covers learning from a technical, physiological, physical and social viewpoint and Pallister and Co are looking to help the youngsters develop in all of those areas.

Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jim Platt has since joined the coaching team, which boasts almost 2,500 professional club appearances and over 300 goals during their distinguished careers between them.

Ayresome Park hero Slaven, who is celebrating 30 years in the region since arriving from Scottish club Albion Rovers, said: “Teesside is a hotbed of football talent and we’re excited about working with both boys and girls from around the area who are as passionate about the game as we are.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to experience a level of coaching similar to that of a professional football club.”

Young players who register to train with the team have the opportunity to purchase a Reds Football Academy kit made by Nike and it includes training wear for both dry and wet conditions.

The shirts will also carry the logos of the charity partners the Academy is supporting including the Gary Parkinson Trust and Finlay Cooper Fund.

The Reds Football Academy’s brand new website is expected to launch later this month, with a YouTube channel to follow in September offering exclusive highlights, interviews and training drills.

For more information, registrations and pricing enquiries call 07403478998 or alternatively, email info@redsfa.co.uk