Have Norfolk's high school pupils got what it takes to run the region's top football club?

Insurance giant Aviva is hoping a new online programme could help equip them with the skills to operate at the top of the beautiful game – while teaching them about the work behind the scenes.

Footy Finance, developed with Norwich City Football Club, tests participants' business and finance skills while challenging them to make managerial calls on all aspects of the business.

Composed of 30 questions over three 'seasons', players have to make decisions about facilities use, catering, ticket sales, sponsorship and merchandise to keep the club afloat. A new 'season' will be added each half term until the end of the school year.

The programme was launched at Carrow Road on Thursday and tested by pupils from five Norfolk high schools with representatives from the Norwich City Community Sport Foundation – which will be delivering Footy Finance to schools across the county.

Eastern Daily Press: The game of Aviva Footy Finance being played by Sprowston High School students, as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe game of Aviva Footy Finance being played by Sprowston High School students, as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The programme will also be available to play at home – and the parties involved believe it even has the potential to be rolled out around the country.

Aviva sponsorship consultant for Norwich City Danny Nobbs said: 'We are keen as an organisation to improve the financial literacy of the younger generation so when they come into a work environment they are better prepared to make financial decisions. The programme is clever in the way it relates to all the departments in the football club.'

Steve Hobin, head of partnerships at Norwich City, said: 'We have been working on this behind the scenes for the last two years as Aviva move into a more community-focused partnership with the football club. Aviva are very forward thinking. It is not just about football, it is about community and always has been.'

Stevie Bramble, curriculum manager at CSF, said: 'It is interesting to see the balance between those who are normally football fans and those who are not. We have people who are business savvy who are joining with the football fans to create some good answers.

Eastern Daily Press: Schoolchildren enjoy playing a game of Aviva Footy Finance as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Steve Bramble, curriculum manager for CSF gives help to some of the students. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSchoolchildren enjoy playing a game of Aviva Footy Finance as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Steve Bramble, curriculum manager for CSF gives help to some of the students. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

'Aviva has supported our educational programme for the past seven years and this is the latest element of that. It is also our first digital programme so it will have a wider reach.'

Eastern Daily Press: Sprowston High School children enjoy playing a game of Aviva Footy Finance as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Amy Young, 13, right. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSprowston High School children enjoy playing a game of Aviva Footy Finance as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Amy Young, 13, right. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: Schoolchildren enjoy playing a game of Aviva Footy Finance as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Steve Bramble, curriculum manager for CSF gives help to Charlie Dolman, left, and Katie Betts. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSchoolchildren enjoy playing a game of Aviva Footy Finance as Aviva, Norwich City FC and the Community Sports Foundation launch a nationwide academic programme for schools. Steve Bramble, curriculum manager for CSF gives help to Charlie Dolman, left, and Katie Betts. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)