Andrew Bascome has called for the local community to rally behind his efforts to set up a Valencia FC academy for “at-risk” boys in Middletown.Bascome’s ABC Football School has already signed off a deal with the Spanish giants which will see them launch a season-long academy at Saltus in September as part of a three-year agreement.And Bascome is now looking for the La Liga side to run an identical academy targeting boys who are most at risk from the escalating crime in the inner city area.Bascome, widely regarded as the top coach in the Island, knows only too well about the struggles of life in the back of town.The ex-Bermuda international grew up as an orphan in the Sunshine League and feels passionately about underprivileged youngsters enjoying the same opportunities as those more fortunate.“We’re looking for Valencia to also run an academy for the at-risk kids in the inner city,” said Bascome, who runs free coaching sessions for youngsters at Bernard Park.“I was one of those kids at the Sunshine League and I know how much football helped me. It’s important we give the kids something to make them feel good about themselves; make them feel special.“We need to show these kids that we care and I think it’s a great idea. I’m sure there’s a lot of talent in that area too. It’s where me and Shaun Goater came from.”Unlike the Valencia FC Academy to be held at Saltus, the Middletown version would be free for up to 66 boys aged between eight and 12 years old.It would run three times a week and include an after-school programme to help the youngsters with their studies.Henrik Schroder, a director of ABC, said an alternative venue was being looked at for the Middletown-based Valencia Development Academy, as Saltus was fully booked. He believed the National Sports Centre or Victor Scott Primary would both be ideal.“These are a group of people who deserve to see what the best can do for them they’ve never had that,” he said. “The same coaches will be involved at both academies (Saltus and Middletown) with the same coaching methodology.“In all honesty we see the National Sports Centre as an ideal venue, but if it’s not available then Victor Scott would be absolutely fantastic.”For Bascome’s dream to become reality, Schroder said ABC would need Government to lend their support and for Victor Scott to assist the programme.“This academy would be modelled on the many successful inner city sporting programmes around the world,” said Schroder. “We need partners to make this happen: Government, Victor Scott’s educational department and the National Sports Centre.”If we get the launch there will also be an after school component were the boys would have the luxury of someone giving them attention to help with their studies.”Bermuda will be third academy Valencia have opened outside Spain, with the others in Egypt and Japan.The top Spanish club also plan to establish an academy in Jamaica by the end of 2012.