Academy revolution starts to take shape (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Academy revolution starts to take shape

8:00am Sunday 22nd January 2012 in Football By John Boyman

JASON Bristow is delighted with the response he has got from young players interested in joining the Basingstoke Town Academy next season.

Town’s academy manager announced a dramatic shake-up of the system in November, with the aim of attracting north Hampshire’s best young talent – and Bristow says there has already been plenty of interest.

“I’m pleased with the response we have had for the new academy scheme,” he said. “We have had strong applicants from Basingstoke and the surrounding areas and players who are being released by professional clubs are keen to trial with us and be a part of our exciting new set-up.

“The competition at the trials will be very strong and that can only be a good thing for Basingstoke Town. The first trial date is fully booked and we are already taking names for the second date in April, so with a long time to go before the final trial in June, things are looking very positive – and there is still time for players to get themselves involved.”

From next season, the club will work in partnership with sports coaching company SCL, which will allow a full-time education and football training programme to be delivered in-house at The Camrose.

The academy is currently run by Basingstoke College of Technology but taking the programme away from an educational establishment will allow Town to recruit players based on ability alone, without having to worry about academic grades.

The scheme is for players aged between 16 and 18, giving them the chance to work towards BTECs, NVQs and Diplomas in Sport in the classroom, while they will also take football coaching qualifications. In addition, they will receive daily training sessions from top coaches and compete in the Conference Youth Alliance league, with the best players expected to progress into the first team squad.

The first intake of players will join the club in time for the start of the 2012-13 season and trials will take place on February 14, April 3, April 10 and June 6.

Youngsters interested in joining the academy should contact Bristow. He can be reached by telephone on 07879 812139 or email jason.bristow@btfc.co.uk