Aspiring young footballers from Teignmouth and the surrounding area were invited to an open evening on Wednesday (18 January) at Teignmouth Community School to find out more about the course.
The Football Development programme will provide students with the chance to train and compete in a professional football environment, as well as a first-class education with qualifications of an A Level standard, which will open the door to Higher Education studies or a career in the sports and leisure industry.
The programme is being run by Exeter City FC’s Football in the Community Trust alongside similar programmes currently offered by Exeter College and Exeter City FC, but will be delivered locally at Teignmouth Community School.
Jamie Vittles, Community Trust Manager for Exeter City FC’s Football in the Community Trust said: “We are excited to be launching the new Football Development course in partnership with Teignmouth Community School, as it will give young players a unique opportunity to develop their sporting skills while gaining qualifications which could secure them a place at university or a job in the sport and leisure industry.
“We had a great response from students and their families at the open evening that came to find out more about the course. It is a great option for anyone who is passionate about football and wants to continue in education down the route of A Levels or BTECs. We are still accepting applications for the course, so I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and see if it could be right for them.”
Students enrolling on the Football Development course will receive up to six hours per week of training from Exeter City FC’s coaches with the best being given the opportunity to train with Exeter City FC scholars, alongside academy students from Exeter and other regional centres.
Students will also be able to compete in varying levels of Schools and Colleges’ Football leagues, as well as continuing to play for their own local clubs if they wish.
In addition, students taking part in the course will wear Exeter City FC kit and the club will provide rewards for the teenagers including match day tickets. The Football development Programme will be covered in Exeter City FC’s matchday programmes and on the official club website.
The next open evening for the Football Development course is on Thursday 9th February at 6.30pm at Teignmouth Community School. A practical training session for anyone interested in signing up to the course will also be held on the school's all weather pitch, and in the newly built sports centre from 1pm-3pm on Thursday 16th February.
For more information about the course please contact Dean Coppard, Football Development Programme Manager on 01626 774091 or email dean.coppard@teignmouth.devon.sch.uk. Alternatively, email Jamie.vittles@exetercityfc.co.uk or call 01392 255611.
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