FIVE lucky teenagers have landed a rare chance to go behind the scenes at Swindon Town to find out what keeps the club ticking over.

The students, aged 14 to 16, won four-day placements after applying to take part in npower’s What’s Your Goal 2012 initiative.

They will gain first-hand experience of the backroom roles and community initiatives at the County Groud.

Swindon fan Bradley Pearce was tending to the hallowed turf yesterday to find out what it takes to be a groundsman.

Bradley, of Liden, said: “Everyone dreams of being a player but it would still be great to be involved at a football club in another way when I’m older.

“Football is my passion and I’ve always wanted to be part of a club. Everyone is just as important in achieving success.

“If the groundsman wasn’t here, the pitch would be a mess and the players would risk injuries.”

The 15-year-old has been learning how to lay the pitch markings, use grain to get grass growing, put up goal posts and prevent injuries.

The Dorcan Academy student said: “I usually watch from the Don Rogers stand, but I’ve always wanted to be down here.

“I already have experience as a referee in the North Wilts District League so I thought I’d have a good chance when I applied at school. I’ve really enjoyed the placement so far.”

Bradley was also looking forward to the chance to meet manager Paolo Di Canio and the players today.

Head groundsman Marcus Cassidy said: “A lot of people see the players come out here at 3pm on a Saturday and don’t realise what goes on behind the scenes.

“It’s good for the kids to see all the different aspects which keep it all ticking over.

“With groundsmanship it’s about getting the pitch in the best playing condition possible for the first team, which is an all-year round job.

“When the season ends it’s the most important time because you have to give the pitch a bit of TLC and get it ready and playable for the next season.

“The skills you learn include growing grass in a stadium against its natural environment and this can apply to golf, tennis, rugby and a lot of different other sports.”

The other teenagers taking part are Macvil Palha and Shannon Fernades, who are shadowing the community coaches, Jordan Louise Garraway, who is in the admin office, and Thomas Ryan White, who will follow the community manager.

The placements are part of a national scheme called What’s Your Goal which started on Monday and ends tomorrow.

The project includes all 72 clubs in the Football League offering 300 work experience placements at local clubs.

Nick Watkins, Swindon Town chief executive, said: “What’s Your Goal 2012 is a one-of-a-kind programme that gives students a foot in the door to try their hand at incredible jobs they’ve perhaps never considered before, and inspires them to believe in their own capabilities and futures.”