Still a chance for young footballers to shine
The AFC Wimbledon College Academy offers an attractive option for young footballers to combine playing with gaining an academic qualification and trials for next season’s intake will be staged tomorrow (Thursday).
First-team full-back Jim Fenlon came through Wimbledon’s academy programme and more recently several players have progressed from it to play for the club’s Under-18s and U21 development teams, including Nas Majeed (pictured left above with Harry Cooksley after scoring for Wimbledon in the Surrey Senior Cup earlier this season).
The trials take place on Thursday at Tooting & Mitcham United FC, Bishopsford Road, Imperial Fields SM4 6B.
Footballers in the academy play competitively on Wednesdays in the Football Conference Youth League Southern Premier Division and study at South Thames College in Merton.
.College trialsThose wishing to be considered, should e-mail Head of Wimbledon’s South Thames College Academy, Michael Hamilton, by clicking on
Please state your name, address, date of birth, contact details and football playing experience. Candidates must be eligible to play Under-16s or Under-17s football in the 2013/14 season. You must receive confirmation of a place at either of the trials in order to attend.
A list of frequently asked questions about the programme are published below:
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
The course lasts from one to two years, depending on your age, course chosen and GCSE grades.
WHO IS IT FOR?
It is for boys who are between 16-18 years of age that want to further their knowledge, understanding and ability in football, while at the same time continuing their education.
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I GAIN?
The Academy programme runs for a two year period – during this time students will study for a BTEC in Sports level 2 or 3 (dependent on GCSE qualifications) or a BTEC in Business, while receiving approximately 6-9 hours per week in active training.
WHERE DO I STUDY?
You will study at South Thames College at the Merton Campus. The campus is based at Morden Park, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5QX.
WHERE DO I TRAIN?
The second venue is based in New Malden, where AFC Wimbledon’s first-team train. The New Malden sports ground boasts 10.9 hectares of playing fields, a gym and houses the club’s physiotherapy rehabilitation clinic. We train at two venues, the main base at Tooting & Mitcham United FC, which is an all-weather facility.
WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE TO HELP ME PROGRESS?
We are confident that all training you will receive from us will be second to none and provide every opportunity to fulfill your dreams. On the pitch, we will be looking to develop you in the technical, physical and social areas as well as off the pitch training, where you’ll receive advice on nutrition, fitness and conditioning regimes.
WILL I BE SUPPLIED WITH KIT?
Training kit will need to be purchased. We wear the club’s official training kit as worn by every team at the club from the academy Under-9s through to the first team. Please note that this is the only cost incurred in joining the academy.
WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?
Fully qualified tutors from the college will be responsible for helping you gain your academic grades, while your football coaching will be overseen by Michael Hamilton, Head of College Academy.
WILL I BE MEDICALLY LOOKED AFTER?
Definitely is the answer. We have a team of full time and part-time medical staff who will cater for all your physiotherapy needs.
.The AcademyFor more information about the Wimbledon College Academy, please visit our dedicated section on the official website by clicking on