Under the agreement, students will use the facilities at United’s Spencer Stadium and also have the opportunity to play for a Banbury United side. Students can continue to play for their existing clubs at weekends.

Club manager Mike Ford, who will also teach on the courses, said: “These new programmes will give students the opportunity to translate their love of football into a rewarding future career. They will build the skills that will enable them to progress onto university or gain employment in a wide range of sports roles, including those in professional football.

“This model is already in operation with our sister college, City of Oxford College and Oxford City Football Club. I am delighted to be able to expand the programme to benefit young people in the north of the county and to build links between education and sport in the local community.”

The one-year Level 2 and two-year Level 3 programmes are designed for school leavers and will cover anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, coaching and fitness testing and training.

Students will complete a minimum of 12 hours a week of professional coaching and football-related activities, including a weekly match day.

Banbury United Chairman Ronnie Johnson said: “As a community focused club, we are delighted to play our part in providing facilities and opportunities for young people in the local area to gain the skills and vocational qualifications they need for future careers in the expanding sports industry.

“We look forward to seeing the first students making use of our facilities from September, in what should be the start of a beneficial partnership between the club and college.”

The courses start this September. Find out more about the Football Level 2 Diploma and Football Level 3 Extended Diploma at www.banbury-bicester.ac.uk