Dunstable Town's new full-time youth football academy has linked up with Arsenal Football Club's Gap Year Scholarship scheme.

The programme offers young footballers the chance to train as coaches and then coach for the club either in the UK or overseas at one of Arsenal's international soccer schools.

The scholarship scheme is initially based at the Emirates Stadium in London where training takes place before students are offered a four month placement, which could see them travelling to places like Australia, Hong Kong or Egypt.

The Blues' new football academy is run in association with Northfields Technology College in Dunstable and head of PE Alison Young said: "The gap year scheme with Arsenal is a great opportunity for students to travel and work before continuing their studies at university."

Final trials for the academy are being held this Saturday at 10.30am at Dunstable Leisure Centre.

Anyone interested should contact the college on 01582 619700 or visit www.collegefooty.co.uk.