Leeds United have branched into Derbyshire where they will offer the Elite Player Development programme for 16 to 18 year old students.

The project will offer young people based in the Derby area the chance to be part of an educational programme that will include football coaching delivered by DFK International Sports Limited (DFK Ltd) in association with the Leeds United Sports College.

Students taking on the course will attain a Level 3 Extended Diploma over a two-year period that will cover the core elements of sporting performance and excellence.

All training sessions as part of the BTEC will be led by Justin Tellus who is a part of DFK Ltd along with former football stars Brian Deane, Noel Whelan and Andy Kiwomya.

Justin is the Development Manager of a local football club, Matlock Town, and he has been appointed as the Director of Football for the programme’s Derbyshire-based hub, he said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for promising youngsters across the region to progress in their football career, while obtaining high-level education and pathways through the Leeds United Sports College.

“I’m looking forward to getting started on such an exciting programme to help develop young people, whilst still continuing in my development manager role with Matlock.”

Tellus will oversee the running of the new Elite Player Development Programme in North Derbyshire and there will be three channels of recruitment for talented young people to get involved in the course.

Students may be seen playing in local grassroots teams, there may also be youngsters that have been released at Under-16 level that may be given a second chance with this programme and there will also be applications for trials which will be held for both male and females.

If you would like to apply or would like more information about the course, please contact sportscollegeinfo@leedsunited.com.