Former Middlesbrough defender George Friend has joined a university to set up a scholarship scheme for aspiring footballers.
The 34-year-old, who spent eight seasons at Boro, has launched the George Friend Scholarship with Teesside University.
It will provide three students with £1,000 each to support them during their studies.
Mr Friend said he hoped recipients could end up as professional players.
To be eligible, students must demonstrate athletic ability and high potential in football and successfully secure a place on the university's Football Performance Pathway programme for autumn 2022.
The programme provides "high quality football training" alongside the student's degree, the university said.