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The Premier League, English Football League and Professional Footballers' Association have announced a new scheme to increase the number of black, Asian and minority ethnic coaches.

The aim is to help BAME players move into full-time coaching roles in the professional game.

The scheme will start next season and will give six coaches a 23-month work placement at EFL clubs per campaign.

PFA members at any age or stage in their careers can apply.

"This is a critical time for black, Asian and minority ethnic coaches," said Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore, who is chair of the Premier League's black participants' advisory group.

"We all know and agree that the diversity of coaches and managers must increase and this placement scheme represents a positive step.

"There are lots of roles in the academy system, all the way through to first team, and young coaches can slot in at different points to begin that journey.

"We need to have the right structures and people in place to develop their careers. I know from my own experiences the value of strong support throughout the coaching journey."

At present, only six of the 91 Premier League and EFL managers or head coaches are BAME.

The new scheme, supported by the Football Association, is jointly funded by the Premier League and the PFA, with bursaries to each participant from the placement club.

Candidates must have a minimum of a Uefa B qualification and commit to Uefa A coaching licence.

They must also take the FA Advanced Youth Award and will be selected following panel and individual club interviews.

"It is vital that there are no barriers to entry to the pipelines for employment in coaching," said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.

"We need more BAME coaches entering the system to create greater opportunities throughout the professional game."