Coaches congratulate teen on debut

The teenager became the NPLFA's 25th graduate on Saturday, coming on as a late substitute in EVO-STIK League South at Loughborough Dynamo to make his competitive debut in the 3-1 win for the Nailers.

An NPLFA spokesman said: "Congratulations to former Belper Town student Josh Bullock who made his competitive debut for the Nailers. Josh becomes the second Belper Town football graduate and the NPLFA’s twenty fifth overall. Well done Josh!"

Two NPLFA students have also graduated to the pro game, Yohan Rutty-Smith leading the way with a move to Notts County in February 2015 aged 16 and Matlock Town's Max Hunt following in his footsteps in July 2016 when he signed for Mansfield Town as a 16-year-old.

The EVO-STIK League's ground-breaking academy was founded with the backing of the Football Association at five pilot clubs in September 2014 to provide career pathways into the football industry with youngsters studying on two year BTEC courses.

Still the only league-wide academy in English football combining sport with education and expanded to 12 members clubs, the NPLFA is currently offering its fourth intake of students the chance to continue their education to degree level after teaming up with Loughborough College in the summer to launch a new higher education partnership.

When not studying, NPLFA students train on a daily basis with FA and UEFA qualified coaches and play in the Joma and Chyrso divisions of the NPL Youth League as well as competing in national cup competitions led by the FA Youth Cup.

To see the NPLFA's latest promotional videos and success stories, follow on Twitter at @NPLFA or visit: www.nplfa.co.uk.

To take a look at the full list of NPLFA footballing graduates click here: nplfa.co.uk/graduates/.

Images courtesy of nplfa.co.uk

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