Students enrolling on the new Futsal scholarship programme will be trained by coaches from Reading Football Club.

A partnership deal has been signed between @Futsal Ltd, Swindon Academy in Beech Avenue, and the Championship club.

The latest development will see students receiving up to 10 hours of weekly training from the coaches and watching Reading players in training and in first team matches.

All learning will take place under the direction of former England National Futsal coach Graeme Dell and Lee Herron, of Reading FC, with training supplemented by regular fixtures in the @Futsal National Youth League and other national Futsal leagues. Craig Beecham, the director of education at @Futsal Ltd, said: “Futsal is the fastest growing sport in the world and we want to be part of that.

“We’re extremely excited by this partnership, and it’s fantastic news for the scholars as they’ll be learning from some of the best.

“The Reading FC coaches will help us produce elite players who may one day represent our country.

Reading staff will scout players on the Futsal scholarship programme, with the best being given the opportunity to train with Reading FC scholars.

Swindon Academy programme director Simon Abercrombie said: “Swindon Academy, as part of the United Learning Trust, is excited to be part of a project that enables education and the professional sports industry to achieve such positive and far reaching outcomes.”

To find out more, visit www.futsaluk.net.