Score with John Ruskin College’s Football Academy
25th September 2007
John Ruskin College has linked up with Protec (who have run successful football academies in North London) and Croydon Athletic FC to give talented football players a chance to develop their football skills alongside their education.
The academy, successfully launched this September, now has 44 new recruits. Most of the students began pre season training in early August and have played several friendly matches including one against Crystal Palace youth.
A typical week for an academy student involves up to 13 ½ hrs on a BTEC National Certificate Sports course, or a level 2 OCN football and fitness course, 7 - 10 hrs per week of football training to improve their skills, techniques and fitness and matches. All the coaches on the course have recognised UEFA qualifications and the person heading up the football side of the academy is Craig Maskell who had a successful playing career with Southampton, Swindon Town and Manchester City.
The academy students have been divided into two squads. One squad will play matches on a Wednesday afternoon in the SESSA Premier league. (Southern England Students Sports Association) the other squad is playing as Croydon Athletic FC youth team with most matches being on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. The Croydon team have so far played two matches beating Horsham 4 - 1 and AFC Wimbledon 4 - 0. Games for the afternoon team commence on 10th October against Lewisham Academy.
Protec have links with many professional clubs including Barnet FC and talented students will be sent for trials. Throughout the season, friendly games may be arranged between the academy students and the youth teams of professional clubs.
If you are interested in becoming part of this successful academy from September 2008, you have to pass a trial organised by Protec and then apply to the college. For further information on this exciting development log on to the Protec website at www.footballtrials.com. On Saturday 13th October between 10 am - 3pm the college is holding an open day when you can find out further information.