Second chance to sign for new academy

The second in a series of trials to recruit the first intake of young footballers for Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Coalville Town’s new academy are taking place this Saturday.

The Coalville Town Football Academy is set to open in September after the First Division South’s Ravens joined forces with SCL online, a respected learning provider in further education, to launch an academy for talented 16 to 18-year-olds in their local community and the wider Leicestershire area.

Taking place at the club’s Owen Street ground from September 2014, the courses will combine academic study with bespoke football coaching and the chance to play for Coalville Town in the Football Conference Youth Alliance as well as progressing into the club’s reserves and first team.

Tutors from SCL online and UEFA A and B Licensed staff will deliver courses from BTEC 3 Sport Diplomas to functional English and Maths skills as well as a range of coaching qualifications. Officials say their extended diploma course will teach students the art of coaching, improve their performance skills, expand their technical and tactical understanding of sport and their knowledge of sports development and sports science.

The first trials took place last Saturday at Newbridge High School on their new 3G facility and the academy’s coaches are returning to the venue this Saturday to run the rule over more potential students from 10am.

Steve Franks, SCL Online Director, said: "SCL in partnership with Coalville Town FC offers a unique opportunity for players to train and study in an environment that will develop their academic and sporting performance.

"SCL prides itself on delivering an outstanding education provision and combined with the partnership with Coalville Town, we will be able to provide excellent progression routes into the local community and grassroots sports clubs and beyond."

Coalville Town’s manager Adam Stevens will also be coaching the students and he said: "This is fantastic news for the Coalville Town FC and the local 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 further education learning provider will enable young people to access a high quality education and a full-time football coaching programme."

He added: "The progress the club has made on the pitch over the past few years, from the FA Vase final at Wembley five years ago to finishing as runners-up in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier South for the past two seasons, can now be mirrored off the pitch. These are exciting times for the club and the community."

For more information or to register your interest, email: academy@coalvilletownfc.co.uk