A "groundbreaking" football academy set up at a school in Falkirk to produce a new generation of players is set to be replicated across Scotland, it has been announced.

The pioneering academy at Graeme High School was launched by Falkirk Council, the Scottish Football Association and Falkirk FC in 2007.

Over the past four years, the ten boys originally selected have been intensively coached while continuing their academic studies at the school.

Two of the original trainees have already played at international level while one, Craig Sibbald, signed for Falkirk FC on his 16th birthday and is a regular first team player.

The school now has 27 boys and three girls undergoing the programme. The success of the first dedicated youth programme will see the model replicated at several locations around Scotland.

Dr Alex Waddell, Falkirk Council's Convener of Education said: "This is a remarkable programme that has produced highly motivated and skilled players for the future and we're very proud that the Graeme High model will be used across the country.

"It's been a great partnership between Falkirk Council and the SFA and we've seen how these young people can both achieve the educational goals as well as developing athletic abilities and talents that will see them performing on an international stage."

Ms Lesley Carroll, head teacher at Graeme High said: "As well as developing their football skills, the boys also developed their confidence and are tremendous ambassadors for the school.

"The scheme had a very positive impact on the pupils' attendance, commitment and education and we are now looking to share our knowledge and experiences with other schools in a bid to develop football stars of tomorrow."

When the programme was launched in 2007, ten pupils due to enter their first year at secondary school were selected from a series of trials across the Falkirk area.

In the unique plan, all the selected pupils attended Graeme High School, where they were able to integrate their football development with their academic studies.

The pupils' timetable was altered to allow them to follow the Academy programme during curriculum time. Those chosen to join the Academy were given a minimum two year co-ordinated training and support programme designed by the SFA.

Talent was nurtured through top level, co-ordinated football coaching from qualified SFA coaches. The pupils also received a programme of fitness training and physical conditioning.