The well-established Needham Market FC Academy, which combines education with football coaching, plans to branch into golf this September.

The two-year course will cater for boys and girls from the ages of 16 to 19 who have finished secondary school with four Cs or better in their GCSE examinations.

The Academy has two purpose-built classrooms where there will be lessons towards attaining a BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport. This qualification is equivalent to three A-levels and can lead to a university education or help secure a job in sport.

The golf training will be two days a week under PGA AA coach Joe Cardy at Hintlesham Golf Club. Two to three days will be spent in Needham Market under Academy director Robert Peace and two other teachers.

There will be an open event at Hintlesham Golf Club on Tuesday, July 25 starting at 6.30pm for parents and prospective pupils to meet the organisers. Enrolment will take place in the last week in August and the programme starts early September. Steve Foley (player with Colchester United and coach with Norwich City and Ipswich Town) is head coach of the football academy which runs three teams, Needham Market Reserves and two under-18 teams.

The golf is not only for low-handicap teenagers who may wish work in the golf industry or become tournament professionals but also for others for whom golf’s enhanced skills will benefit them in their chosen career.

Suffolk county coach Cardy said: “I will use my experience alongside latest technology to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills which will help them.”

Those who join the golfing section of the Needham Market Academy will become members of Hintlesham Golf Club with full use of the facilities in addition to coaching six hours a week. There will also be an Academy uniform and golf bag for every pupil.

Academy director Peace said, “It is a fantastic opportunity for Needham Market Academy to go into partnership with Hintlesham Golf Club and Joe, to provide an environment for talented young golfers.”

For further information or to book a place on the Open Event contact Robert Peace, Academy director on robert.peace@needhammarketacademy.com or 0773 8084223.