Hats off to student star McGrath!

Warrington Town's Aron McGrath became the 28th NPLFA student to make his senior debut for an EVO-STIK League club when he came on as a second half substitute for the Yellows against Winsford Town in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

The 19-year-old midfielder was the first student to apply to join the Warrington Town Academy back in January 2015 and the club's second graduate to the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's first team. After enrolling in September 2015 and going on to complete his two year BTEC in Sport Level 3 qualification last summer, McGrath became one of the first students to continue his studies on the new degree course the NPLFA launched in partnership with Loughborough University in September 2017.

An NPLFA spokesman said: "Congratulations to former BTEC and current degree course student Aron McGrath. His grades allowed him to be one of the first intake of students on the three-year degree course where he has continued his football education in the NPLFA, leading his side to a title challenge in the JOMA Division, as well as being the star performer in the Cheshire League with Moore United in his first taste of regular senior football. Well done Az, keep up the hard work!"

The NPLFA 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 now expanded to 12 members clubs, the NPLFA welcomed its fourth intake of students this season while launching the new higher education partnership with Loughborough University.

For further details and information on the football education programme and the benefits it can bring to your club visit the website at www.nplfa.co.uk or contact them at info@nplfa.co.uk.

Image courtesy of nplfa.co.uk

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