The coach who opened the door to Premiership clubs for young footballers in Barnet is now seeking to tap into similar potential with the introduction of a new football academy.

Darren Watson, 20, of Marsh Drive, Hendon, enjoyed unparalleled success with his NW9ers team last year, propelling more than half a dozen youngsters on to teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham.

But he wants to better that achievement, and has set up The Independent Football Academy to act as a conveyor belt for raw footballing talent.

"The programme was set up to bridge the gap between the pro academies and Sunday league football," explained Watson.

"We are finding kids who are technically gifted, but when they go to professional clubs they are not prepared.

"We are planning to teach them the mental side of things, how to present themselves and what to expect once they get there, so these clubs have no reason to turn them down."

The academy will aim to give youngsters FA-approved coaching and will support them in their study, while scouts from a number of Premiership clubs will attend camps and training sessions to run the rule over players.

Watson added: "There is lots of talent out there in Barnet.

"Over the last five or six years, a lot of talent has gone down the drain, but we are aiming to change that."

The Independent Football Academy is holding a trial in Barnet for its centre of excellence, based at the Roger Bannister Sports Centre in Harrow.

The trial is being held at Whitefield School, Claremont Road, Cricklewood, on May 25 between 4pm and 6pm.

If you would like to find out more about The Independent Football Academy, call Darren Watson on 07931 909448 or visit the academy web site at http://www.independentfootballacademy.co.uk