A college has announced that it will be offering students a “unique opportunity” by teaming up with a professional basketball club.

From September, Epping Forest College in Loughton will run a new Education and Basketball Development course, teaching the sport as well as coaching and training skills.

The programme will be run with the London Lions, the only professional club in London.

Students will train and play at the team’s London 2012 Olympic venue, the Copper Box in Hackney, and take part in league and cup competitions.

Vice principal at the college Phil Hall said: “We are delighted to be offering the only sports programme in London delivered in partnership with a professional basketball team – this is a unique opportunity for any aspiring basketball player, coach or sport professional.”

Chief executive of London Lions, Vince Macaulay, said: “This is a great step for us, it is important that we create as many pathways as possible for young people to follow their dream for basketball whilst gaining an education; having Epping Forest College become a partner of ours expands those opportunities for young people.”

Trials will be held for applicants over the summer at the Copper Box Arena, starting tomorrow (July 28) between 12pm and 2pm.

To register, email the college on Lions@efc.ac.uk.