Rotherham United Community Sports Trust are breaking new ground in a link-up with the town's rugby and hockey clubs to deliver new opportunities for youngsters.
A Rugby and Education Academy is being launched in partnership with Rotherham Titans and a Hockey and Education Academy in tandem with Rotherham Hockey Club.
The rugby scholars will have the opportunity to represent Titans U18s in the Yorkshire Colts League and the National Colts competition, and the hockey scholars with Rotherham's U18s in the Yorkshire Hockey Association League and cup competitions.
Those practical experiences for 16-19 year-olds will run alongside sports studies at the Education Academy, pursuing a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence. It is equivalent to three A-Levels, offering a route into University degrees, Higher Education and employment in the sports industry.
James Mahoney, Education Manager at Rotherham United Education Academy, said it was an exciting development.
He added: "These programmes will give young players the chance to study for a full-time academic qualification while playing and training regularly in their chosen sport. We have a great opportunity to build on the success of our Football and Education Programme and aim to become the leading choice for young people who are leaving school and have ambitions to progress in sport, whether that be playing sport at an elite level or working in the sports industry."
James Swinscoe, chairman of the hockey club, said it was an exciting venture for two well-established and respected clubs.
He added: "This joint venture is designed to inspire and develop players of all abilities in a competitive, friendly and inclusive environment, allowing the opportunity for individuals to grow in self-confidence and personal life skills that will instil enjoyment in hockey, football and other sports. Together, our objective is to promote hockey, football and other sports, through education, involvement of our local communities and player development of all abilities."
John Lewis, chief executive of Titans Community Foundation, said: "Rotherham Titans are delighted to be able to support and extend the very successful Rotherham United Community Sports Trust model to include opportunities within the sport of Rugby. We recognise that the strengths of both organisations can come together to provide young people in Rotherham with a wider offer and more choice in terms of playing sport alongside their academic studies."
For more information about Rotherham Hockey Club visit www.rotherhamhc.org.uk
The Academy also offers a football/Futsal option.
To find out more e-mail education@rotherhamunited.net, call 01709 827767