Barnet FC are unlikely to be short of young talent in the future.

The Protec football academy, from which a number of the current Bees have graduated, continues to go from strength to strength.

The football/education-based scheme, which has been running 12 years, has produced a number of professional and non-league players.

Former graduates Joe Devera, Joe Tabiri, Luke Medley and Elliott Charles have all seen first-team action for the Bees this season, with Devera being named the club's player of the season last year.

Other ex-students are plying their trade elsewhere, and making an even bigger impact.

Among them is Nile Ranger, 17, who is now at Premier League Newcastle United and earning rave reviews.

Manager Joe Kinnear is following Nile's progress closely.

He said: "Nile is certainly one for the future and is making rapid progress. We could have a very good player on our hands."

Ranger left Barnet's Protec academy to join Southampton's academy in September 2007, before being signed up by the Magpies in August 2008.

He has just netted four goals in three matches for Newcastle's reserve and youth teams in the space of a week. Earlier in the season, he made the first-team squad, being on the bench for the Carling Cup tie against Coventry City.

Newcastle United coach Richard Money added: "He can progress to a good level - and maybe the highest level. Hopefully, that highest level will be with Newcastle."

Barnet Protec academy director Pete Edwards said: "Nile applied himself at Protec and we secured him a contract at Southampton. He now has a two-year contract at Newcastle United and we're delighted that the skills he learned with us are still standing him in good stead. He is a striker who will entertain the Toon fans, who enjoy watching great, attacking players."

Other former Protec students include Steve Morison, who is currently banging in the goals for Blue Square Premier League Stevenage Borough.

The Protec scheme gives youngsters the chance to fulfil a career in football, but also provides the individual with further education, meaning that they are well equipped for life after their career in the game comes to an end, or if they should not be fortunate enough to make the grade.

The academy is currently recruiting for its 2009/10 programme, and looking for players of county standard and above to apply online at footballtrials.com The programme is education-based, with various courses on offer.

Mr Edwards said: "We have a have a good track record, with over 85% of our students achieving their qualifications."