SLEEPY Aylburton will soon have its very own sports academy, run by ex-Cheltenham Town footballer Richard Kear.

The semi-pro footballer from Lydney is launching the academy specifically for 16-19-year-olds.

Youngsters who sign up for the full-time, two year course can leave with a BTEC qualification in sport at the end of it.

Ambitious Kear also wants to develop his own football team to play in the English Colleges League.

He said: "I'm passionate about sport and I want young adults to get the same desire.

"The students will be able to pick up a range of skills whilst studying for the qualification including coaching, refereeing and umpiring."

The 29-year-old already runs his own soccer school and does scouting for Bristol City. He also plays semi-professionally as a centre-forward for Hereford-based outfit Westfields.

Aylburton may seem an unlikely place for such a bold venture, but Kear says the village is ideal.

Lectures will be held at Oak House and the practical lessons will take place on Aylburton's football field.

He said: "Hartpury College is the closest sports academy for people from the Forest but bus fares are getting more and more expensive.

"The first priority is helping the students get a qualification, but running a football team alongside the course will be a bonus and could lead to local footballers playing for the likes of Cheltenham Town.

"Once the academy is up and running we can look at setting up other sports teams for students to play in."

For more information contact Richard Kear via richardskear

@yahoo.co.uk