Friday 6 January 2006
FOOTBALL ACADEMY TRIAL DATE ANNOUNCED

Talented young footballers from across Calderdale and neighbouring towns, are being offered the chance to attend trials for September’s intake for Calderdale College’s Football Academy on Monday 30 January.

Twenty-five school-leavers will be chosen for the two-year full time programme at the Academy, which was launched last year in a partnership between Halifax Town Football Club and Calderdale College. It offers young players the opportunity to pursue a professional football career while gaining academic qualifications.

The successful students will form part of an under-19 team playing at a high level in the British Colleges Sport Football League. They will progress to non-league youth football as part of the Football Conference Youth League and will be coached by FA qualified coach Des Hazel, former player for Sheffield Wednesday, Grimbsy, Chesterfield and Rotherham. Every academy player will have the opportunity of selection for Halifax Town’s under-19s side, with the chance of graduating up to the first team. Students can apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance during the two-year period.

“Students combine a comprehensive, elite coaching package with full-time educational courses which can lead to careers in the football or fitness industries, sports development or coaching and leaves a route open into Higher Education”, said Matt Fawcett, programme manager for sports at Calderdale College. “The standard is high and we’ve had a fantastic first season. We’re through to the fourth round of the British Colleges’ National Cup and our players are being trialed for Bradford, Huddersfield and Oldham. We’re also expecting to announce details of a new Women’s Football Academy and a Rugby League Academy in the coming weeks”, he added.

More information on the Football Academy trials is available from Des Hazel or Matt Fawcett at Calderdale College on 01422 357357.