A football club has teamed up with a college to allow young footballers to achieve success both on and off the pitch.

Boreham Wood FC has chosen Barnet and Southgate College as the new full-time education provider for its PASE Academy.

Open to boys aged 16 to 18, the scheme offers them a chance “live and breathe” football while also giving them a solid education.

The students divide their days between football training and academic courses including B.Techs in sport, construction qualifications and A-Levels.

As part of the partnership, more than 300 boys will form 14 football teams and train and learn at Barnet and Southgate’s three campuses in Barnet and Enfield.

Chairman of Boreham Wood FC Danny Hunter said he had been seeking a college that would help students compete in national cup competitions and gain scholarships to the USA and produce England college internationals.

He said: “I think I have found the perfect partner in Barnet and Southgate College, who share my philosophy. I have known the principal David Byrne for more than ten years and worked successfully with him in the past.

“David like me believes education should be about choice and opportunity. As such we will offer our learners, A levels, construction, B.Tech and personal trainer courses, plus create a whole host of other programmes, all tailor made to suite student timetables and training schedules, which is very exciting."

Boreham Wood manager Ian Allinson said: “For two of the biggest local organisations to get together, to educate and train over 300 students aged 16 to 18 is good news for the club, the college, the town and of course for the young players and I cannot see anything but success for all concerned.”

Principal of Barnet and Southgate College Mr Byrne said he was “excited” to be working with Boreham Wood Football Club on this “innovative” sports education partnership.

He added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to play football at a challenging level and at the same time gain a qualification.

"The football club has great contacts and previous students have caught the eye of England College selectors, professional clubs and achieved football scholarships in the USA, while others have gone on to university.”