QUEEN'S PARK'S head coach Gus MacPherson is looking forward to Friday's launch of the partnership between the Hampden club and the University of the West of Scotland that could see English Premiership youngsters join his squad.
The tie-up will see students from across the UK study for degree qualifications whilst training full-time and playing at Queen's Park, with released youngsters from clubs such as West Ham already looking to head north.
The programme is also available for players who are out of contract from Scottish clubs or those nearing the end of their careers and looking to enhance their education before they retire from playing.
MacPherson could end up with an enlarged first-team playing pool or loan players out to other sides as the students will be registered with the club during their time in study.
MacPherson said: "The QP-UWS Football Academy is really exciting for everyone. Getting the chance to bring in players who have been released from top English and Scottish sides and who want to do something different but still play football is a great opportunity for us."
"We will bring in a pool of players who will train full time and could enhance our squad. The players will train around their university commitments and they have a terrific platform to show that they are good enough to play at a high level whilst also gaining a degree qualification."
"If they do not make it into our first team, we can loan them out to a level more suitable but some of the players already registering an interest is very encouraging."
MacPherson added: "Places are limited and interested students should email pse.sports@outlook.com to register for the Open Day on Friday."
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