Argyll and Bute Council’s football development team is planning a first-ever residential football camp to give young players aged 9-16 an insight into the daily life of a full time youth footballer.

The camp is planned for July 25-29 2011, and will be held in Oban. The participants will stay at the Oban High School hostel, and use the Oban 3G all weather pitch as well as the nearby Mossfield and Glen Grass pitches.

The capacity of the residential course is 45, and a further 20 will be able to take part on a non-residential basis.

Details have been sent out to everyone on the council’s football development database, as well as local clubs. Interest is already being shown in signing up.

Councillor Neil Mackay, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said it was a fantastic opportunity for budding players.

“Participants will live the life of professional footballers for five days, immersing themselves in the game as they take their skills to the next level,” he added.

“The council, in association with the Scottish Football Association, will have a team of highly qualified and experienced coaches on hand to work with the players to maximise their ability and develop their technique, through training methods similar to the ones used by many professional teams worldwide.

“The camp is open to any young person aged between 9-16 from all corners of Argyll and Bute. We expect it to be extremely popular, so I would urge anyone who thinks they might like to take part to get in touch with our football development officer to register their interest.”

In addition to improving participants’ football ability, the players will also have an introduction to sports science including fitness testing, nutritional and hydration advice, sports psychology and lifestyle management as well as doing the day to day chores expected of a full time player.

The cost of the camp is £200 for residential places (including all meals, swimming trip, kit etc) and £150 for non-residential places (including all meals, swimming trip, kit etc). It is anticipated that most of the non-residential places will be filled by young people from Oban and the surrounding area.

There will be different payment options for the course, including monthly or weekly payments. However, each place must be fully paid before the course starts.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the programme should contact the council’s football development officer Martin Rae at martin.rae@argyll-bute.gov.uk