Chesterfield have signed a ground-breaking agreement with Loughborough University that is set to bring student footballers into the professional game.

The deal will enable Chesterfield, hit hard by the ITV Digital funding shortfall, to secure a full reserve team for the next two seasons.

Loughborough will provide players to represent Chesterfield initially in the Avon Insurance League, with provisions for negotiated transfer agreements, as well as non-contract fees in place for full representation in Division Two.

"This unique link-up is probably a first in football and we are very excited about all the mutual benefits it will bring," said Chesterfield boss Dave Rushbury.

Chesterfield have been impressed by Loughborough's student team which last season won the British University Championship and will represent England in the Student European Cup in September.

Loughborough has five coaches working with the squads and an advanced fitness training programme.

They have also introduced a widely-praised education programme for footballers that allows released players from top clubs to return to education and pick up degree-level study.