PROFESSIONAL contracts to play in the Cypriot football league are being offered to players who have been released from English clubs, or who have been involved in academy squads.

Former professional Sav Savva, who is also assistant manager at Carlsberg South West Peninsula League side Totnes & Dartington, is establishing a system of exit trials on the island, which is being advertised across this country.

Players from the United States and Canada are also expected to be involved in the scheme, which involves a stay at a camp in Paphos in Cyprus, with training and weekly matches in front of representatives from Cypriot league clubs.

"We will take them from this country and also North America and offer them the chance to play in Cypriot first divison," said Savva.

"What I'm doing is making sure we've got the right framework in place."

UEFA licensed agent George Gregoriou is also involved in the scheme, and owns the hotel which prospective players would stay in for a week.

A week-long stay at the camp, with all transfers and meals included (but not flights), will cost individuals £400. Players who have been released from League clubs in England may be eligible to stay for free.

Savva explained: "What the Cypriot clubs are looking for are free transfers, as apart from Apoel Nicosia, most clubs don't have the money to go out and buy players.

"We've been working on this since last year with the UEFA agent, and he needs me to take the players out there."

However, Savva said only players of a certain standard would be accepted into the camp – and even players from the South West Peninsula League Premier Division would be unlikely to qualify.

"It's not open to everybody – they have got to meet certain standards of play. I'm not taking money off people who I don't think could make the grade."

For more information, email Savva on savsavva@academysoccercamps.co.uk or call 07811 183271.

ACADEMY Soccer Camps are running a two-day football course at Brixham Community College over half-term week.

There are three age groups – 4-7, 8-10 and 11-14 – open t boys and girls of all abilities. All coaching is taken by FA-qualified staff holding current CRB checks. The cost is £10 a day or £20 for both days to members, and £14/£24 for non-members.

Full details of the course can be found at www.academysoccercamps.co.uk, by calling 01803 844464 or the college reception.

PLYMOUTH Parkway and Bovey Tracey have mutually agreed to bring forward the Peninsula League Premier Division fixture between them at Bolitho Park by a day to Friday, February 17, with a 7.30pm kick off.