THE SEARCH is on for the next Wayne Rooney as Swindon College continues its link up with top non-league side Forest Green Rovers.

This will be the third year of the partnership that gives budding footballers the chance to train with and play in Rovers' youth team while studying full time at the college. Forest Green, based at Nailsworth in Gloucestershire play in the Nationwide Conference and is one of the top 100 clubs in the country.

Coaching next season will be by former Swindon Town player Alan McCoughlin, as well as current Forest Green Rovers players.

The college offers the footballers a range of full-time courses including A-levels.

However, the most popular courses among players tend to be sport, leisure, travel and tourism and public services.

College principal Mike Hopkins said: "It would be great if we could produce the next David Beckham or Michael Owen.

"However, only very few trainees ever get taken on by professional clubs, so getting a good education is vital."

Anybody interested in signing up for the course, or simply in finding out more, is welcome to attend a forthcoming trial.

It will be held at Ballards Ash, Wootton Bassett, on Saturday and is scheduled to run from 10am until noon.