TRIALS are set to be held early next month for an innovative new football academy for

talented teenagers.

Hartlepool United recently announced the formation of a new Elite Development Academy

which will give boys and girls the chance to work towards their footballing dreams.

The new scheme will see 16 to 18-year-olds given the opportunity to continue with their

education at Dyke House Sports & Technology College, in Mapleton Road, while also

gaining access to professional football training at the club.

Now academy officials have released details of the first trials to be held.

A spokesman said: “With the initiative launched, we’re on the look-out for a group

of talented footballers to join the Academy.

“We’ll be holding trials for both boys and girls at Dyke House, in Mapleton Road,

Hartlepool, on Thursday, July 3, from 4pm onwards.”

Once successfully enrolled on the academy, students can look forward to working towards

a wide variety of A Levels and a BTEC in sport science, alongside being part of the Hartlepool

United Elite Development Academy.

Speaking at the launch in May, Russ Green, Pools’ chief executive, said: “We’re all very excited

about this new venture and are confident it will prove a huge success.

“The students will all be given access to the highest quality of football coaching and at the

same time be able to gain a first-class education at Dyke House.

“The Elite Development Academy will be an important part of our football club and we will

make sure they feel a part of it by ensuring regular interaction with our first team players

and youth team squad.”

The launch event was held at Pools’ Victoria Park ground and also attended by manager

Colin Cooper and Andrew Jordon, executive principal at Dyke House.

Meanwhile, Pools’ very own talented teens Brad Walker, 18, and 19-year-old Luke

James were also there to illustrate to those youngsters who dream of being a professional

footballer that it could become a reality.

The course is open to boys and girls, with 20 places available for both genders.

Academy bosses say the minimum entry requirements are five A* to C grades at GCSE,

including English and maths.

For more information about the Academy or to apply for a trial, contact head of college

Andrew Murphy at Dyke House by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pre Registration is required for this trial