This year we are again recruiting footballers aged 16 to join our Education programme, based at the Vestacare Stadium in Oldham, in association with the YMCA.
The club will be offering talented young players between the ages of 16 and 18 the chance to combine academic studies with practical football experience. The programme provides opportunities for players who excel to progress to train and play within semi-professional football, and at the same time receive a full-time education from experienced tutors from the Central YMCA with in-depth experience of the football industry.
Athletes will train four times a week under expert guidance from UEFA Licensed football coaches, overseen by experienced player and coach Melford Knight; take part in regular mid-week games against alternative programmes across the North of England; and an elite squad of players will represent the programme in the FA Youth Cup. On Wednesday 10 May 2023, this year’s cohorts play a Stalybridge Celtic XI.
Alongside the football programme athletes will study for the NCFE Level 3 Diploma (equivalent to 2 A-Levels) or the Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-levels) in Sport and Physical Activity (Sports and Exercise Science). To enrol, students will need at least five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English (Grade 4) and must take part in a successful trial in order to be part of the small select squads. If students do not achieve the required minimum grades they must show the willingness to improve on their English and Maths as part of the course.
Of the partnership, YMCA Study Tutor James Caldwell said, “We’re delighted to be working with Avro Football Club, the Vestacare Stadium is possibly one of the best facilities in the Greater Manchester area for Sports and Education available for 16 to 19 year olds.”
“The partnership with Central YMCA as the education provider gives us an opportunity to provide both an excellent education to the boys whilst Melford Knight will oversee the delivery of the Full Time Football Programme on the pitch.”
“The programme will be a true full-time experience for players looking for a career in Football, either as a player or as a Sports Therapist, Coach, Analyst or one of the other 500,000 jobs that are available to them if they get a great education. The boys will be expected to train or play every day, therefore the commitment from us and Avro to the players is very high. We’re looking forward to getting started representing Avro Football Club.”
For more information and to find out more on how to register your interest, please email James.Caldwell@YMCA.co.uk
