Students learn football the 'Parisian way'

Students have access to the latest training methods used by PSG

An academy in Wolverhampton has teamed up with one of Europe's most famous football clubs to develop the players of tomorrow.

Amethyst Academy has signed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to create the PSG Academy West Midlands.

It gives talented young footballers access to the French Ligue 1 club's latest training methods and techniques while continuing to give them an academic education.

The academy said it offered students "an exceptional program that balances top-level football training with academic excellence".

Students continue their academic education alongside their football training

The aim is for young players to learn football "the Parisian way".

"They have technical directors who come over to the UK every year," said Director of PSG England, Alex Harrap.

"Our technical director visits Paris on a regular basis and has weekly meetings with the team in Paris to ensure that the sessions being delivered in the UK match the standards of the club."

Even school dinners are based on what professional clubs feed their players - lots of carbs and proteins to help maintain fitness.

Students continue to study for their A levels alongside their football training, which the school said ensures "they are well-prepared for life both on and off the pitch".

Boys' and girls' captains Jack Brownlow and Katie Whitehouse said being associated with such a prestigious club was an incredible opportunity

The partnership has proved popular with Amethyst's young footballers.

Captain of the boys' team, Jack Brownlow, said: "I think if you make it international, more people will recognise it as a big thing. Wolves is just around the corner, but if it's a big club like PSG [it makes] everyone internationally aware of what we're doing here."

Katie Whitehouse, who captains the girls' team, agreed.

"Definitely for the girls to have that opportunity to do it as well, and to be able to play with the boys, representing PSG, is just great," she said.