Big plans for football academy

A new university-level course for aspiring footballers is to be offered by Holbeach United Community Sports Academy which has submitted expansion plans.
The curriculum already offers academic provision alongside UEFA-standard football coaching, but the new degree is due to start later this year.
The degree-level course will provide another step for students already completing their BTec course at the centre, on Penny Hill Road.
There are currently 22 students who started last September, and if the plans are accepted by South Holland District Council’s planners the application includes a new classroom block, a canteen and toilets.
The extension would be on an area of land at the centre which is currently unused.
The new course and expansion would see the numbers at the centre almost double.
The application will be decided by South Holland District Council.