TALENTED young footballers will be hoping to catch the eye of former Colchester United midfielder Kem Izzet at a trial later this month.

And those who impress could land a place on a popular elite football and education programme for 16 to 18 year-olds.

Izzet, who made more than 400 appearances for the U’s, is now academy manager at Needham Market, whom he helped win promotion to the Ryman Premier last season.

He helps run the club’s established academy programme, which offers a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport or NVQ Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships.

And in addition to Needham Market, the programme is also now on offer at Thurlow Nunn League outfit Brantham Athletic.

Izzet said: “It’s been successful at Needham but now we want to cast our net a bit wider.

“Now we’re also at Brantham, we’re hoping to see boys from areas such as Harwich and Manningtree, too.

“Brantham have been fantastic and it’s a great opportunity for talented young players.

“We understand that there’s competition out there.

“But all we ask is that people look at the football and education side of things and we just want people to know what we can offer.

“The trial event later this month helps us do that and gives people a chance to talk to us about every aspect.”

Izzet says the chance to get playing opportunities is one of the main advantages of the programme.

Seven of Needham Market’s academy players featured in their promotion-winning first team, last season.

“It’s not about them going out of the door and saying goodbye after two years; it’s more than that,” said Izzet.

“We want to try and bring high quality players into the first team and hopefully beyond.

“There’s so many football opportunities we can offer – there are six levels of football where you can go in and play and be competitive. I don’t think there are too many academies who can say that and it’s very unique to the market.”

Needham Market FC hold their final trial event on Wednesday, June 24, at 6.30pm, with places limited. If you are aged between 16 and 18 years old and interested, contact Kem Izzet on kem.izzet@needhammarketfcacademy.co.uk for further details.