MELKSHAM Town FC is to launch its own academy next year, to train the rising young football stars of tomorrow.
The club has become one of just nine to join the Southern League Football Academy (SLFA) which covers a large area of England from Cornwall up to the Midlands, and South Wales. Up and coming local football stars, aged 16 to 19-years old, will have the opportunity to train at Melksham Town’s academy, whilst in full-time education studying for a BTEC in Sport Level 3 or NVQ Level 2 in Sport.
Melksham Town FC chairman, Darren Perrin said, “This really is a big step up in our development as a football club and is a massive boost for us – and the town.
“It will mean local youngsters can get top coaching and an education at the same time. The academy should have an enormously positive impact on the development of young football players in this area.
“It takes us to the next level as a club; it means we are going to be a real centre of excellence and help us attract top young players who we hope will in time break into the first team
“The academy will offer top coaching to local young players from experienced UEFA qualified coaches; the young academy footballers will play for Melksham Town in the SLFA League and FA Youth Cup, and will also have opportunities to progress to Town’s first team as a semi-professional footballer.
“Following our promotion to the Southern League, to a level fitting for our club, and with the successful partnership with our youth section, we have felt for some time that the next step in our progression was to have an academy and be a pathway for young local players to continue their football and academic studies.
“We have looked at several providers to work alongside us; some have been more academic than football focused, some the other way around. We then met the SLFA and they offered what we felt was the perfect balance, allowing us to develop players at a local level, with some graduating hopefully into the first team or reserves in years to come, whilst giving them a structured education for the future.
“Melksham Town FC look forward to working with everyone involved with the SLFA.”
A SLFA spokesperson said, “We are extremely excited to have Melksham Town join the SLFA programme, and with fantastic facilities and the growth of the club, we cannot be more pleased with Melksham Town joining for a September 2020 start.”
Winter trials for academy places at Melksham Town FC will take place on Monday 13th January from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. To apply for a place, visit the SLFA website: www.theslfa.co.uk
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