Albion are breaking new ground with the launch of the only football academy for women and girls on the South Coast.

In a joint venture with Worthing Sixth Form College and the Sussex FA, the academy will give females from all over the county the chance to develop their skills and progress to top-flight football.

The new academy, to be based at Worthing, will follow on from the Albion's women's and girls' Centre for Excellence in Brighton to fill the gap in provision for players aged 16 and 17 years of age.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "We are the only club on the South Coast to develop a women's football academy despite the fact there are some very strong clubs nearby."

Worthing Sixth Form principal John Robinson said: "The college is extremely proud to have been selected for this exciting new opportunity which will start in September 2001.

"We are delighted to be working with the Albion and the Sussex County FA and we are sure the courses will attract high calibre students who will wish to pursue a career in football and to continue their academic studies."

Students who enrol in the academy will have a full-time programme of coaching provided by the Sussex County FA, and matches against other academies and colleges.