STFC Academy Update 2012/13

It has been very encouraging to see the development in not only the student’s football abilities but also in their personal progress and on how confident many are now, when taking training and coaching sessions. Mark Betts As the first academic year comes to an end I thought it would be good to provide a summary of the academy achievements for the year.

Education

At the start of the year over 25 Academy Players/Students commenced studying for their two year Level 3 Certificate & Diploma in Increased Participation in Sport. I am pleased to announce that these students have successfully attained their Level 1 Coaching badges, first aid certificates, safeguarding children certificates together with passing their first years’ course work towards their Level 3 Diploma. Congratulations to all students for their determination and hard work!

Football

On the football side it has been very rewarding seeing many of the 16 year old Academy players have the opportunity to play for the Allied Counties U18’s team. Many have also stepped up and played in the Reserve team - this experience will definitely be beneficial to them in the future as they progress into adult football. Next season will see the introduction of an additional 25 students and the Academy teams will be competing in the Surrey School league and the Allied Conference League. Of course there will also be opportunities to play in the STFC U18 Allied County Team and you never know - the first team!

The squad, which was made up of largely 16 year old players have worked tirelessly to prepare themselves for a high standard of match play and have come up against some strong opposition – the team from Strodes College was made up of many Farnborough Reserve team players and U18 youth players. Having said that, this was a closely competed game, where we were only narrowly beaten. Next season will see the players a year older so we are all looking forward to some good competitive games.

Team Building Activities

Team building is very important and during the course of the year the Academy squad have enjoyed some memorable experiences. These have included :

Trip to the Emirate Stadium for a tour of the stadium

Thorpe Park Day Out (it was very wet!)

Away FA cup tie to Mansfield (what a game)

Home replay to Mansfield – ten Academy players helped with match organisation

Trip to Mars Confectionary

Watching England U21’s against Romaniav An unforgettable visit from the Romanian U21’s at the Academy home ground – The Romanian team put on a light training session for the players and took time out for photos and questions.

(Planned) End of Season Bowling at ‘Absolute Bowling’, the students will be VIP guests for the afternoon.

Community Relations

Having achieved their Level 1 badges many of the students have also now been coaching many Slough school children. Coaching sessions have been undertaken at Dair House School and more recently at Marish School; where coaching sessions have been put on for over 180 Year 5 and 6 children. These coaching sessions will continue, giving not only a great experience for the school children but also invaluable experience for the academy students. Coaching will also be continuing at other local schools in the Slough area.

Overseas Relations

The Academy team are also forging relationships with many overseas teams which includes The Sea Point Swifts (established 120 years) and YMO Saint Lukes FC (established 80 years) - both of which are located in Cape Town South Africa, a tour there would be nice!

I am also pleased to announce two forthcoming matches against overseas opposition: 25th July – Venue - Bisham Abbey – Opposition - Congaree College USA and 5th August – Venue - Burnham FC – Opposition - Randolph College USA

Summary

I am very pleased with how the first year has gone for the STFC Academy and congratulations to all those students who have achieved so much in their first year. It has been very encouraging to see the development in not only the student’s football abilities but also in their personal progress and on how confident many are now, when taking training and coaching sessions. Of course a lot of hard work has been expended and I would like to thank KC for coaching (in all conditions!) and of course Siobhan for her dedication and hard work: and without whom we would all starve!

See you soon

Mark Betts

Head of Football Development