The City of Bath College has teamed up with Bath City Football Club to boost the future prospects of promising young footballers.
Up to 25 teenagers will combine high quality football development with academic study in the new Bath City FC Under 19s Academy.
The new programme will be launched in September with the future footballing stars becoming full-time college students.
The 16 to 19-year-olds will be studying BTEC Sport qualifications while developing their ability, performance and fitness on the pitch.
They will undergo12 hours a week football training and play in competitive fixtures in the British Colleges League 2 on Wednesdays and South West Counties Youth League on Saturdays.
The ultimate aim is to provide young footballers with the academic achievement to progress to further study at university or gain entry directly into employment.
But if they have what it takes on the pitch, they could progress through the ranks and make a name for themselves in the first team at Bath City FC.
Esther Williams, Head of Sport, Care & Public Services at City of Bath College, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Bath City Football Club has partnered with the College to offer such an exciting programme to young footballers in the Bath area.
“Our reputation for Sport is really growing, with applications to study here at an all-time high.
“I am really confident that the boys will enjoy an outstanding learning experience here, with first class teachers in a dynamic and forward thinking environment.
“This, coupled with an opportunity to receive such high quality coaching and personal football development from Bath City, will really prepare them for bright futures.”
Students will also undertake additional employability and English and maths development at College to ensure that they are fully ready for a career in the sport & health industry.
Students will need a minimum of four GCSEs to be part of the two-year programme, but will be selected through trials for their football ability.
They will be expected to wear their Bath City football kits at all times and will be playing Saturday morning games at Twerton Park so they feel part of the club.
Paul Williams, Chairman of Bath City FC, said they were funding the programme as they did not want to miss out on any local talent.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity for young people to train and study at the same time. We are giving young people the chance to continue with their education and become part of Bath City FC.
“These young people will be very much part of the club. We are looking for talented players who could end up playing in the first team. We see this programme as an investment.”
Bath City FC selected the College as the Academy’s education provider because of its strong reputation and leading position in providing 16-19 education. The Academy had previously been run at Writhlington School for six years.
City of Bath College already runs the Southampton Football Club Academy which currently has 14 students aged 16 to 19.
Trials for the Academy are currently taking place across Bath for September’s enrolment, including Wednesday 16th April at 10am at Twerton Park.
For further details about the Bath City FC Under 19s Academy call Billy Clark on 07968 086836 or email [email protected].
