DEVELOPING players who can become first team regulars is central to the new scholarship programme, says Jim Harvey.

Last week the club launched the full-time scheme in partnership with Mid Cheshire College and named Harvey as the head coach.

Harvey, who managed Chester City in 2009, introduced a similar scheme with huge success when managing Morecambe

He told The Chronicle he wanted to work with the existing academy and establish a clear pathway for promising talent into the first team.

Harvey said: “If I use Morecambe as an example, we wouldn’t have achieved what we did without having the scheme in place.

“Finances are tight for all clubs and this is another means to develop homegrown talent and players for the first team in a less expensive way.

“Most clubs are now running these schemes because it makes sense and if you go right to the top this is the kind of structure the FA are advocating.

“Youth team coaches have a very important role in the club and being able to develop your own players is essential.”

Steve Burr has given the scheme his backing and first team midfielder Danny Harrison will be working with Harvey.

Scholars will combine full-time training with an education programme and external funding means there will be zero cost to the club.

Harvey said the new team would play friendlies this season but he hoped the club would eventually join the Football Conference Youth Alliance.

He said: “My hope is that we can recruit from within and players will come through the academy and into the scheme.

“If it develops like we hope then there will be opportunities opening up for the current academy coaches to get involved too.

“What I have found is that if someone has potential then the scheme can maximise that potential, whether that be to play semi-professional or in the Football League.

“It will prepare them for first team football and gives them a qualification for the future to fall back on so I see it as a win-win for all.”

Expressions of interest from potential football scholars aged 16 to 22 should be sent to tracey.wainwright@chesterfc.com and the club is holding a meeting for people interested in the scheme at 7pm on Friday, October 29.