FOOTBALL is more than just a game for three young Blackburn entrepreneurs -- it is a business.

Virtual Soccer is the business set up by Nick Jackson-Cooney, Mije Livesey and Jim Wensley to provide football training to schools, colleges and youth clubs.

And although they only started up last October, they are already putting something back into the community.

Their volunteer work has been recognised by the Blackburn Education Business Partnership which will grant the 'Investor in Education' status in June.

Employer liaison officer Cheryl Drinkwater said the partners from Virtual Soccer had already taken part in two initiatives and were working with pupils at Darwen Vale High School.

" We are really pleased with the contribution they are making," said Cheryl. "For them to give up their time when they are just starting out in business is tremendous."

Mick Livesey, however, is just pleased to be able to help. "We are just giving a little bit back to the community," he said. "We can communicate to people through football which helps us to reach youngsters who might otherwise be excluded."