Marrying football and philosophy

A new football academy in France is aiming to turn its pupils not just into star goalkeepers, but top-class thinkers and citizens.

Drawing inspiration from World Cup-winning keeper Fabien Barthez and philosopher Albert Camus - the unique institution aims to instil the values of citizenship in 11-16-year-olds from around the world and from all walks of life.

That means mutual respect, discipline, understanding and a sense of team spirit are as important in football, say organisers, as in the communities where they live.

One of those behind the project is Barthez, the former Manchester United and France goalkeeper.

"We're trying to get away from the idea of producing champions - we're more interested in promoting good morals among young adults," he says.

"It is important for our pupils to learn to become men, just as much as it is for them to learn to become goalkeepers.

"I want to give back to football what it has given to me."

"Everyone needs guidance for later on in life. Everything is based around the football, and expanded to show that some of the skills we learn on the pitch can be used in life.

"Every time a child saves a ball it's similar to every difficult situation they will face in life. Every time they jump to catch a ball, or go into a tackle, they need courage and commitment, and it's similar in life", he says. "

As well as the football and life-skills coaching, the students will also receive a conventional education, in line with France's school curriculum.

The academy is based in south-west France, at a school high in the Pyrenees, in the pretty spa town of Luchon.

As well as support from local businesses, international companies such as Nike, and the French FA, it appears to have captured the imagination of the sporting world - with a number of English Premier League clubs said to be watching the academy's progress closely.

Students from France and abroad will board at the local school and train every evening. They have been selected for their goalkeeping ability, and also for their resilience in what is a competitive and mentally challenging sport.

The academy's philosophy has drawn comparisons with French writer and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Camus, an Algerian-born philosopher and goalkeeper, who saw the beautiful game as providing moral guidance and inspiration for living.

"All that I know most surely about morality and obligations, I owe to football", he said.

By Russell Trott BBC News