Not every young male and female will have the opportunity to represent their country or become a professional footballer. However the current and future England stars need a team that supports the development of the game in this country.

Football needs bright young energetic players of all kinds, from highly skilled administrators, Football and Facility Development Managers, Marketers, Press Relations Officers and Accountants, Information Technology experts to Doctors Physiotherapists and Sports Scientists.

Team England, The Football Association and the County Football Associations believe Education and Football is the winning formula and wishes to support young people to reach their goal by staying in education.

FA supports Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College goes football crazy

Following last year’s highly successful event, Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (BCUC) last week staged the second Government-sponsored soccer summer school as part of the Government’s initiative (Aim Higher) to encourage young people from less traditional backgrounds to consider higher education.

21 football-mad teenagers from across England – girls as well as boys – spent seven days at BCUC honing their soccer skills as well as learning more about what life would be like as a university student. BCUC was chosen to organise the school as a result of its proven track record of running football-related courses. The school was supported by the Football Association (FA) who provided several FA Football Development Managers to work with the students. The students were also the first group in the country to begin a brand new FA online fitness course using computers.

National Development Manager for the FA, Donna McIvor said: "As part of the FA’s commitment to the Aim Higher programme we were delighted to support BCUC in their football school.

"The students were introduced to an exciting new FIFA recognised 5 a side football game called ‘FUTSAL’ which is being introduced throughout England to develop player ball skills. They also achieved their Junior Football Organisers young leader’s award with Sir Trevor Brooking presenting their certificates."

Highlights of the week included a visit to Stamford Bridge, home of Premiership Champions, Chelsea, and the chance to meet former England footballer-turned media pundit, Sir Trevor Brooking, at a dinner held at the ground of Wycombe Wanderers. Trevor Brooking also awarded the students their coaching awards.

BCUC lecturer and school organiser, Paul Morgan, added: "BCUC was privileged to have been chosen to hold the School which proved a great success.

"The youngsters certainly enjoyed the football coaching work with the FA, the visit to Chelsea and meeting Trevor Brooking. Equally importantly, I believe they also went away with a better understanding and a greater enthusiasm for higher education.

"Many of the students were full of praise for the School and said that they were now sure that they wanted to come into higher education and were excited about developing their football interests further."

For further information on Aim Higher please visit www.aimhigher.ac.uk