STOURBRIDGE have launched a new football academy in partnership with Dudley College.
A new Football Academy, which is a joint partnership between Dudley College and Stourbridge FC, has opened its doors to male players wanting to take their first steps into professional football.
The academy will combine professional football training with a BTEC sports qualification, giving academy members a pathway into the professional game, whilst allowing them to develop broader skills that can lead to a range of sports related careers.
The academy manager Rachel Corns said: “Dudley College has a track record of providing players to Stourbridge so this formalises the relationship.
Chris Knight, ex England College’s player and ex-Dudley student is playing in the first team and Jake Brigdale, our current student, is a youth team player involved with the first team squad. We’re hoping that by working closer together we will have many more of these success stories in the future.”
Academy members will study for up to two years for a diploma in sport coaching development and fitness, whilst combining regular training sessions and match commitments. The academy squad will be competing in the Conference Youth Alliance.
Andy Bullingham, vice chairman and head of junior football at Stourbridge, welcomed the new initiative saying: “The club has had a marvellous cup run and our young talent has been part of that achievement. We have a long established youth development programme and this takes it to the next level. This creates a pathway for young player into non-league football and beyond. Dan Scarr who starred in our run to the FA Cup Third Round has just signed a two-and-a-half year contract for Birmingham City, so he’s living proof that the dream of a professional contract can become a reality.”
The Football Academy is recruiting now and trials will take place throughout February and March.
An open evening for aspiring players hoping to join the academy will take place on Thursday, February 16 between 6 - 9pm at Stourbridge’s ground in Amblecote.
Aspiring players should apply via the Dudley College website at dudleycol.ac.uk
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