On Saturday 14th May, trials are being held at Marriotts School in Stevenage for the Stevenage FC and Biggleswade United Elite Development Trials, due to start in September.
If you are aged 16-18, think you have the talent to succeed and fancy embarking on a two year programme offering a first class education whilst participating within a professional football club environment, then this could be for you!
The two year scholarship will see participants study for a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport - the equivalent of 3 A Levels – whilst also gaining qualifications to work in the sports industry, including FA coaching badges. They will also train for up to eight hours a week and play in the British Colleges League.
Robbie O’Keefe, Academy Manager at Stevenage FC, comments, “We’re delighted to launch this new Elite College scheme in partnership with Biggleswade United FC which will benefit both clubs but most importantly young, willing talent looking to build a platform for their future playing and non-playing careers.
“The two clubs will work together daily with young players, giving late developers another chance in the world of football whilst at the same time continuing their educational studies. These schemes have proven success over the years, one of the best examples being George Boyd who has gone on to play Premier League and international football.
“Importantly they also provide young boys who have a natural love for the game alternative career paths within the industry, if their football ability doesn’t meet the standards required to forge a playing career. Having met with Guillem Balague and his staff this week it’s clear that the club has a real sense of where it wants to be and how it can get there and we are really happy to join them on that journey. We hope this can be the launch pad for a successful and beneficial partnership for both clubs.”
Youngsters interested in the Biggleswade United & Stevenage FC Elite Development Programme, which will start in September 2016, are invited to register their interest by emailing Tom Hart at tomh@stevenagefc.com