SOUTHAMPTON SPARSHOLT FC ACADEMY TRIALS
Join Southampton FC Academy for Football Trials
Sparsholt College signs with Saints
Sparsholt College is delighted to announce the formation of the “Sparsholt/Saints Elite Centre” (16-19 years) to be based at its campus just outside Winchester with links directly to the Southampton FC Academy.
Matt Crocker, Academy Manager at Southampton FC commented: “We are delighted to be linking up with Sparsholt College on this exciting project. We recognise that talent is something that needs to be nurtured over time and this programme allows for that, supporting the concept of late developers such as Isaac. We will work closely with Sparsholt College on areas such as Technical programming, Sport Science, Psychology and Education to give the players the individual support they need to progress to the next level.”
This will be a high quality competitive squad, which will compete in elite level leagues and competitions with the fundamental goal of producing players for the Southampton FC Academy. Players will have a detailed personal programme that will encompass vital aspects of a footballer’s requirements to succeed in the modern game.
As part of the programme, players will undertake an academic course studying a BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma in Sport.
The association to the Southampton FC Academy gives players the opportunity of joining a programme directly linked to a Premier League club at the highest end of the British footballing system. Elite Centre players will be given an opportunity of regular visits to the Southampton Academy base at Staplewood to join in training and play in matches.
The experienced coaching team at Sparsholt will work closely with the Academy at Southampton which will be invaluable to its future developments and progress. Coaches from the Southampton Academy will join the Sparsholt coaches to deliver sessions at the Winchester base.
Sparsholt College boasts a magnificent campus just outside Winchester where accommodation is available for over 400 students. The vision for excellence at Sparsholt College has seen significant investment into facilities which include three on-site pitches, with four brand new changing rooms (pitch-side). A new sports centre is currently under construction which is scheduled for completion in September 2013.
The Sparsholt/Saints Elite Centre will run in addition to the already very successful Sparsholt Football Academy (Tier 1, 2, 3) programme. It was from this system that Isaac Nehemie, who had joined the programme in July 2012, gained a full scholarship with Saints in November 2012. Sparsholt are hoping to have further successes with the new Elite Centre.
Neil Benson, Sparsholt Football Academy Manager who previously worked as a Head Coach at Southampton’s Academy over a successful six year period comments:
“We offer a fantastic opportunity at Sparsholt/Andover to develop U16-U19 players/students on and off the pitch. If you have the ability and potential and are prepared to work hard to maximise your talent then we will certainly endeavour to help you achieve your goal.
“I have the highest respect for Matt Crocker, SFC Academy Manager and the Southampton staff for what they have achieved with player development over a period of years. This new Elite Centre will see a close relationship develop between Sparsholt and Southampton FC’s Academy which I am sure will prove beneficial to both parties.
“Whilst we are striving to take players to the highest end of the Academy system, equally important is seeing individual development of players at all levels in our programme. We pride ourselves on helping them along with their chosen career pathway.”
Sparsholt College is currently recruiting players throughout the southern region and from all areas of the UK. Anyone seeking an opportunity to further develop their football and extend their academic qualifications is urged to contact the College with a view to attending one of our Open Days or join us for a day’s trial/training by arrangement. For further details, contact Neil Benson, Football Academy Manager on 07860 150075 or
Submit your very own Football CV and Showcase your ability to Tony's Soccer School >> Add CV