Dorchester Town FC and Weymouth College have joined forces to set up a Youth Football Development Centre for young players aspiring to make a career in the game.

The Development Centre is based at Redlands, on the newly installed 3G artificial floodlit pitch, and will cater for players at all age groups from under-10 up to under-16, with the Weymouth College Football Academy also able to give players the ideal stepping stone to adult football by offering an under-19 option alongside a full-time further education course.

Head coach John Godbold said: “We are trying to provide local young players from across the area with a high quality and professionally run development pathway which after time will produce players that are good enough to make their living playing football.

“Players from all clubs are welcome as we are about developing the players’ skill base which can only benefit the whole of football locally.”

Dorchester Town FC are looking at the centre as a long-term project with the hope that over time the future first team will include a crop of talented young players coming through the programme.

Any players interested in attending the coaching sessions can contact academy director Matt Lucas on 07966478695.

Alternatively, anyone wanting more information on the Weymouth College Academy team can contact Ben Heath, sports development officer, on 01305 764815 or email ben_heath@weymouth.ac.uk