BILLERICAY Town will be launching their own academy from the start of next season.

Town have teamed up with Chelmsford College to offer their young players opportunities on and off the pitch.

And Billericay co-owner Greg Lake feels it will prove to be an excellent addition for the club.

“I’m excited about it and for us it’s the natural next step,” said Lake.

“It was always in our plan and it’s broadening out what we do.

“Nick Hutt, who looks after the colts and I, who looks after the women and girls team, are also keen on this because it’s a natural progression for kids who have come through our age group.”

The initial intake will see three teams formed, with under 17 and under 19s teams for the boys and an under 19 team for the girls.

And Lake feels it will offer something different.

“It’s something that’s not in the Billericay area at the moment, although there are some close by,” said Lake.

“A lot of the other academies are built on the fact you can do a B-Tec in sport and while there’s nothing wrong in that what we wanted to do was to offer a wider range of educational options.

“Chelmsford have offered that and you can study a full range of education and qualifications.

“We want people to come out as the best footballer they can be but also with an education that allows them to progress in life.”

Former West Ham United winger Stuart Slater will be among the coaches in the academy along with Billericay’s ladies’ first team manager Scott Chickelday.

For more details visit the academy section on http://billericaytownfc.co.uk.

A virtual open evening will also be taking place on Wednesday.