BOLTON Wanderers have teamed up with Bolton School to launch a “unique”

two-year international sports course for young footballers.

Now it is hoped that talented footballers from across the globe will come to Bolton to pursue their dream of becoming a top player — while also keeping up with their academic studies at one of the best schools in the country.

Pupils from all over the world, after finishing school at 16, will have a chance to spend three days per week in elite football training and two days studying A-levels in PE and business studies at Bolton School Boys’ Division.

The youngsters will live with local host families and, course leaders say, will experience “total immersion within a professional football club enabling students to develop within a fast paced European football environment”.

They will learn from qualified coaches and use facilities at the Reebok and Bolton Arena.

Students will complete their academic studies in the school’s sixth form.

Those wishing to take part in the programme will have to pass an online academic selection test and will be interviewed via Skype, the internet video communication service.

Many of those who enrol are expected to progress on to university to study sports science and sports management degrees.

Headmaster Philip Britton said: “We are always pleased to be in partnerships that promote the strengths of Bolton as a town. “Blending the well respected sports training packages at Bolton Wanderers with our own reputation for academic excellence should provide a really exciting option for bright and able international sportsmen to develop themselves.”

He added: “Boys aspire to excellence very often by competition.

“Academically able young men with strong sports skills on this international course will further stimulate boys within school in PE and business studies to excel.”

Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside said “This exciting partnership offers students a unique mix of elite football coaching at Bolton Wanderers alongside studying for A-Levels at one of the top schools in England.”

It was revealed last month that Wanderers are planning to build a huge £100 million development, called the Middlebrook Masterplan, alongside the Reebok.

The plans include a fulltime academy with accommodation for up to 500 students.