SWINDON Town is teaming up with The Prince's Trust to help disadvantaged young people get ahead in the sports industry.

A new four-week intensive Get Into Sports course, the first of its kind in Swindon, has been created.

It aims to give young people a whistle-stop tour of what working in the sports industry is like.

On the course youngsters can learn more about gym instructing, rugby and football coaching and how to coach people with disabilities.

They will also develop skills such as CV writing and their interview techniques.

It is open to anyone aged 18 to 25 who is unemployed, has struggled at school, has been in care or who has been in trouble with the law.

Participants on the course could leave with a FA level one certificate in football coaching or a level one certificate in basketball coaching.

The course is run with The Prince's Trust - a charity which helps change young lives in the UK.

It helps 14 to 30-year-olds, giving them practical and financial support and developing skills such as confidence and motivation.

Ed Blyth took part in a Get into Sports course in 2006 in Gloucester and is now working as a sports development worker for the charity Young Gloucester.

He said: "The course was a great start for my career in the sports industry, looking at everything from health and well-being to employability.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for The Prince's Trust and I think it's great they are starting a Get Into Sports in Swindon."

Organisers will be holding a course taster day at the County Ground on March 11 between 10am and 2pm followed by the course on March 17.

Anyone interested in taking part in the course can call Nick Bonnie on 01452 416191.