Halifax is to join an elite band of towns with a Football Academy. This announcement came in a joint statement today by Calderdale College and Halifax Town Football Club, who will be offering the opportunity for young people aged 16 – 18 to achieve their full potential in football while pursuing educational goals.

Talented young footballers from across Calderdale and neighbouring towns are invited to apply for the 25 places on offer by attending a five-week summer selection camp starting on Monday 27 June. There are up to 50 places on the camp which will allow candidates to experience high quality football coaching and to gain an exercise and fitness qualification. Successful students will then be selected for the full-time Football Academy programme, which begins in September, and lasts for two years. The Academy has been established in association with Navigator Educational Services, a leading company in this sector.

Football Academy students will initially form part of an under-18 team playing at a high level in the British Colleges Sport Football League and eventually in non-league youth football as part of the Football Conference Youth League. They will be coached by FA qualified coaches to achieve their maximum potential as individual players while studying for related vocational qualifications, enabling them to pursue careers in the football industry, sports development, exercise and fitness and coaching and leaving a route open into Higher Education. Students can apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance during the two-year period. This year’s programme is open to boys only but is expected to be extended to girls in 2006.

“This is a fantastic good news story for Halifax which represents a lot of hard work and commitment from all parties”, said Monica Box, principal of Calderdale College. “The Halifax Football Academy will nurture talented young players while keeping their education and career plans open. Pursuing their dream need no longer mean risking everything for a future in a sport where injury can put a sudden end to a promising career. We expect young Halifax Town players to benefit from this as well as a number of as yet unspotted players. The selection process will operate an open door policy, to encourage grass roots talent.”

Bob Bland, director of Halifax Town said, “Every academy player will be eligible to go straight into our under-19s side, with the chance of graduating up to the first team. The Halifax Football Academy will give more local lads the chance to come through and help to keep them focused. It could be the start of a new era of football in Halifax.”

Candidates for selection are asked to contact Matt Fawcett, programme manager for sport and public services or Caroline Hawkins, both at Calderdale College on 01422 357357.

For further press information please contact Sandra Rout, Press Officer for Calderdale College on 01422 882342/357357. Matt Fawcett, programme manager for sport and public services can be contacted on 01422 357357, and Bob Bland, Director of Halifax Town on 07734 234704. For a more national picture, please contact Ted Copeland at Navigator Educational Services on 0207 9021651.