The AFC Fylde Community Foundation has launched a new partnership with Virtual Learning UK (VLUK) to bring fun and opportunity to people of the Fylde Coast.

Working alongside the national education partner, the Foundation will develop and deliver bespoke educational opportunities to young people aged between 16 and 24.

This brings with it a range of opportunities, including the launch of the Foundation’s FUTSAL project, led by FUTSAL programme lead, Ryan Vaughan.

FUTSAL is a scaled-down version of football that emphasises higher levels of control and skill due to a smaller, less bouncy ball. It’s played 5-a-side on a smaller pitch – typically indoors.

Young people in the area will also be able to access a range of new opportunities through a brand new Traineeship programme.

It will give them real life work experience in areas such as business studies, business admin, sports development and sports coaching.

They will work with the Foundation and VLUK over a 12 week period, where they’ll gain paid employment and real life qualifications.

Tom Hutton, director of community development at the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, said: “This new partnership with VLUK is really exciting – both for us and for young people across the Fylde Coast.

“The FUTSAL project and the Traineeship programme are just two examples of the fun, diverse work we will be carrying out with VLUK over the coming months. As with all the work we do as a Foundation, it’s about enriching local people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“Anybody interested in either our FUTSAL team or the Traineeship programme should keep their eyes peeled – we’ll be releasing more information on our VLUK partnership and how people can get involved very soon.”

For more information visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk, follow on Twitter @afcfct or call Tom Hutton at The Foundation on 07739 796 101.