Doors opening at new Nailers academy

By David Watters

Belper Town

Promoted Belper Town are set to join the growing ranks of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clubs offering educational programmes to young footballers.

Excited officials at the First Division South’s play-off champions announced on Saturday that they were teaming up with Nottingham’s Central College in the new season to launch a football academy for talented 16 to 18-year-olds in their local community and the Derbyshire area.

Taking place at the club’s Christchurch Meadow ground from September 2014, the courses will combine academic study with high quality football coaching and the chance to play for the top flight’s Nailers. Trial dates for the first intake of potential graduates are set to be announced in the coming days.

Tutors from the college and UEFA A and B Licensed staff will deliver courses ranging from Level 2 and 3 Sport Diplomas to Foundation Degrees in Sports Coaching and other university level courses. Officials say their extended diploma courses will teach learners the art of coaching, improve their performance skills, expand their technical and tactical understanding of sport and also their knowledge of sports development and sports science.

Central College’s Head of Sport, Adam Beazeley, said: "This exciting partnership will appeal to students who have a love for the game combined with a desire to continue with a high quality education.

"The College is looking to broaden its sports offer so teaming up with a club in Derbyshire with the status and reputation of Belper Town FC is fantastic for us and a great learning experience for the learners."

Belper Town player and college lecturer Dan White added: "This is fantastic news for the Belper Town FC and its community. This partnership will give young people the opportunity to gain an education and develop as a footballer in a realistic, working footballing environment here at the club.

"Partnering with such a well-respected college will enable young people to access a high quality education and football coaching programme. The progress the club has made on the pitch with promotion can now be mirrored off the pitch. These are exciting times for the club and the community."

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