SEARCH FOR A STAR

Shire's search for future stars takes a step forward on Tuesday with the first trials for the club's new Youth Academy.

The venture is a joint one between the club and Falkirk Council and will give twelve unemployed youngsters the chance to become football apprentices with Shire.

To qualify applicants must be from Falkirk, 16 years of age, have left school in the summer and must currently be out of work, education or training.

If they win a place they will be paid £65 a week and get specialist football coaching.

They will also have to attend a work placement outside of football and go to college to improve their skills off the pitch.

"It's an exciting project," said Shire vice chairman, Spencer Fearn. "We realise the need to grow our own talent, but we also have to be mindful that some won't make it to the first team, so we must give them skills that will help them find  job."

Spencer has plenty of experience in the field. His company, Lifeskills Solutions, is one of England's biggest training providers and works closely with the UK Government to give youngstes the right employment skills.

"I  wish these kind of things had been around when I  was young," said Shire's Head of Youth Development, Paul During. "It's a great opportunity for the youngsters involved, who will form the backbone of our under-17 team this season."

The first trials take place on Tuesday 11th August at Stirling University. Registration is from 6:30pm.