Inspire Suffolk, the education and sport charity which was previously the ITFC Charitable Trust, has announced a link-up with Thurlow Nunn Premier Division side Felixstowe and Walton United, providing an elite sporting pathway for its BTEC Level 3 scholars.

The Suffolk-based charity has delivered the scholarship programme, which is designed to support the development of players both academically and physically, since 2012 with a number of its alumni going on to university both in the UK and the USA. This September Inspire will double the current intake of scholars at its Lindbergh Road site in Ipswich.

Successful applicants benefit from working towards completing a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and developing their football skills with Inspire's FA-qualified coaches throughout the academic year. The charity believes that the arrangement announced today will further enhance the experience for the scholars selected.

Inspire Suffolk’s CEO, Terry Baxter said: ”Whilst our students will continue to be based in Ipswich at Inspire Suffolk and take advantage of the mix of classroom spaces, the indoor gym and dome, changing facilities and grass training pitches, I have no doubt that our scholars will be further developed through the current structure in place at Felixstowe and Walton United."

Inspire Suffolk’s education delivery manager, Andy Crump (pictured) added: "By working with a semi-professional club, we will be able to enhance our students’ experience by giving opportunities to develop not only through their existing college football programme but the opportunities available at U18 and reserves levels through to senior football.

“Felixstowe and Walton is a well-respected football club with a thriving youth set-up and pathway that has already seen a number of players develop from junior to senior football.’"

Players interested in enrolling should contact Andy Crump on either 07595 024725 or by emailing andyc@inspiresuffolk.org.uk for more information. Trials for the 2015/16 cohort will be held next month. For more information visit Inspire Suffolk’s website.

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