THE sports department at Basingstoke college has announced a new partnership with Crystal Palace FC Foundation (CPFC).

The arrangement will give students studying a sports course at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) the chance to play in the BCoT and Crystal Palace Football Education Academy.

BCoT held a five-a-side tournament last month at the Brighton Hill Power League pitches to promote this new link to teams of Year 11 pupils from Basingstoke schools.

Teams representing Brighton Hill Community School, Everest Community Academy, The Costello School and Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College schools took part in a ‘round robin’ tournament to celebrate the launch, with prizes donated by BCoT and CPFC.

Speaking at this launch event, course director Darryl Taphouse said: "At BCoT, we have flagship Level 1, 2 and 3 sport and fitness qualifications which students can study, allowing them to work their way to A Level standard. This football link will now allow our students to train and compete as part of the BCoT and Crystal Palace Football Education Academy, alongside their studies.

"We see this as an exciting opportunity for footballers to not only develop their football performance but also gain valuable industry experience linking to a Premier League Football Club."

The CPFC Foundation was established in 1989 to promote, among other things, quality sports provision and health and well-being.

Initially focussing on its local area of south London, the foundation now works with local and national organisations in pursuit of these aims.

BCoT is one of a few colleges outside London to have linked with them.

Jamie Dockree, the football academy manager, said: "This isn’t just about wearing premier league kit. Our plans involve interacting with Crystal Palace staff, including coaches, sports analysts, sports psychologists and strength and conditioning coaches to enhance training sessions as well as lessons to inform our students about roles in professional sport, on and off the pitch.

"Additionally CPFC will send scouts to observe selected matches, provide opportunities to play against Crystal Palace FC Foundation Elite teams and offer links to suitable semi-professional clubs for players who show potential."

The tournament saw the two teams from Brighton Hill battling it out to a penalty shoot-out in the final match of the day.

Rob Perrett, development manager for CPFC, was on hand to present the prizes alongside BCoT principal Anthony Bravo.

Students applying to start sports course at Worting Road college from September 2016 will then be able to take part in trials for the college teams.

For more details visit bcot.ac.uk.