BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent are looking to the future after forging an “exciting” alliance with the Colne Football Academy.

The two are joining forces to form the Brightlingsea Regent Academy, which is being set up for the 2016/17 season.

Regent and the Colne were in partnership before up until 2012.

Now they are teaming up again and talented youngsters within the programme, which combines opportunities to play football with academic studies, will be able to play in the prestigious Football Conference Youth Alliance League, in addition to the FA Youth Cup and Thurlow Nunn Youth League.

This could lead to the chance of playing weekend football in the Eastern Junior Alliance Under-18 League or the Ryman Under-21 League.

“It’s very exciting times for our football club, as we continue to look to develop what we do and forming a Brightlingsea Regent Academy is another natural progression in achieving that,” said Regent first-team manager James Webster.

“The chance to work so closely with the Colne and the successful programme they already have in place, coupled with the football club now playing step four football, only serves to improve what in partnership we can offer for local talented football players.”

Regent chairman Terry Doherty added: “Having our own football academy has been something we’ve been looking to do since our promotion to the Ryman League.

“When this opportunity presented itself it ticked all the boxes and it’s very exciting times for our football club, as we continue to develop on and off the pitch.

“The club’s and academy’s coaches and physios will work hand in hand during college and evening hours to ensure a suitable crossover of information and compatibility.

“This will enhance the welfare of the players and provide an excellent pathway from junior to senior football.”

The Colne Football Academy, now in its 11th year, previously played in the Football Conference Youth Alliance, in partnership with Regent, and won three championships in four seasons up until 2012.

Jon Taylor, head of the Colne Sports Academy, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with such a forward-thinking club as Brightlingsea Regent again.

“Youth development is at the heart of their thinking and this initiative represents a fantastic opportunity for students to continue with their education from 16 to 19 years, while training and playing on a daily basis.”

All current under-16 students (year 11) students interested in the programme should contact either Jon Taylor on 01206 309967 or Jtaylor@colne.essex.sch.uk or James Webster on 07775708278 or jamesseven@mac.com

An open trials night is taking place tonight - Monday night - at 7pm in North Road.