First team coach Adam Lawrence will also hold role of Academy Director. Photograph: Jacopo Maino
Fisher this week launch our new football academy programme, aimed at talented young footballers in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.
The programme, delivered in partnership with the Millwall Community Scheme (MCS) and SCL, allows gifted footballers aged 16-18 to further their footballing education while also studying for an NVQ. Players will receive at least six hours coaching a week (plus matches), with six hours of education. Open trials will be held in February and April to select players, and the scheme gets underway for the 2012-13 season.
First team coach Adam Lawrence, who works as a Football Development Officer at MCS and will take up the role of Academy Director, said of the scheme:
“This is a very exciting time for Fisher FC as the academy will provide youths aged between 16-18 with the opportunity to study and play in an environment similar to that at a professional club. There will also be a very positive link to the first team as the academy will provide an exit route for talented young players into semi professional football.
“This is just the start of a complete revamp of the clubs youth development programme and working in partnership with Millwall Community Scheme will result in Fisher FC building positive links with Millwall FC, whilst being able to offer training and academic facilities of the highest standard. I am excited and privileged to be helping this special club achieve its dreams.”
The academy side will play in a competitive league against youth teams from other semi-professional sides, giving the players an excellent grounding that will help prepare them for the step up to senior football. The educational aspect to the scheme will provide participants with a recognised qualification that they will be able to use to further their career in football, or to help secure entry to further education and university.
Fisher chairman Ben Westmancott welcomed the launch by explaining “since we reformed, the focus on the pitch has been on establishing a competitive first team. But as we look to the future, and work to get home to Bermondsey, it is essential that we rebuild our footballing links in the community. The academy programme forms part of our plans to support the development of talented local players, as well as helping keep in education 16-18 year olds who might otherwise not take up that option.”
Trials will be held at Bacon’s College, Timber Pond Road, Rotherhithe on Feb 13th and April 11th 2012. To register, talented players should visit the SCL website at http://www.scl-online.co.uk/football-academy.php
Interested players or parents should contact Adam Lawrence on 07534 278943 or via email at adam@fisherfc.co.uk.
Well done to everyone involved – another positive and significant step made taking this club to where we all feel it belongs.
Posted by Joe | February 2, 2012, 10:43 amExcellent news. Perhaps we should post it on the Supporters Direct website as an example of what a supporters’ trust club in the lower leagues can do.
Chesterfield go to Wembley on 25 March, 90 minutes from the Johnstones Paint Trophy. Yeassss.
Posted by Nicholas | February 4, 2012, 1:20 pmHello my name is christain simba, am 17 years old talented and humble football player, i can play different position starting with central defender,half back four and right full back, i would like to kindly ask to help me to get in your academy and help me to develop my talent and play for your team, hope to hear soon from you.
Posted by christian simba | February 27, 2012, 8:53 pm