Students can study football on new degree course

Claire Barton, assistant principal for higher education at Nottingham College, said there has been a lot of interest in the course

Students can develop the skills needed for a career in elite football and focus on individual player development on a new degree-level course.

It is hoped prospective students could go on to professional coaching, talent spotting or work in education academies.

The three-year BA (Hons) Football Studies course starts in September and will be taught at Nottingham College's Basford campus.

Claire Barton, assistant principal for higher education, said the career opportunities are "infinite".

BA (Hons) Football Studies at Nottingham College has been validated by the Open University and Notts County Football Club

She said: "We've never come across anything similar, it's unique to Nottingham.

"We've had a lot of interest nationally from students coming to us from Wales and Scotland because they are so intrigued.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to go into the profession".

The course is validated by the Open University and written with the support of Notts County Football Club, which offers students a "defined career route" within the sport.

Previous sport students' experience also influenced the college to develop a subject-specific course based on their job aspirations.

Ms Barton said Euro 2024 has been influencing potential students: "We’ve definitely seen a link between the raised awareness of the sport, and the reality of potential employment routes.

"We’re not talking about celebrity aspiration; this is about realistic career choices for our students."