Young footballers can boost their career prospects
There’s still an opportunity for young footballers to combine playing competitively at AFC Wimbledon and study for an academic qualification.
against professional academies next season.Under-18sThe AFC Wimbledon College Academy has offered plenty of footballers a chance to shine with several progressing up to the Under-18s and Under-21s in recent seasons. Ian Smith and Dylan Bahad are the latest players from the college set-up to earn a chance of playing in the Football League Youth Alliance for the
We can confirm that there will be another round of trials on Wednesday, 2 July, to put together next season’s college academy intake. The address is as follows: Tooting & Mitcham United FC, Bishopsford Road, Imperial Fields SM4 6B.
. College trials Those 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 the trials in order to attend.
A list of frequently asked questions is 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 who wish 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 - Merton Campus. The Campus address is Merton Campus, Morden Park, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5QX.
WHERE DO I TRAIN?
We train at two venues, the main base at Tooting & Mitcham United FC, which is an all-weather facility. 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.
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 fulfil 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.