Courtesy: Swindon Advertiser


Scholarship gives youngsters sporting qualification

Monday 8th February 2010

By Ben Perrin

SWINDON students enrolling on a new futsal scholarship programme will be trained by Reading Football Club coaches.

The exciting football partnership is between @Futsal Ltd, Swindon Academy and the Royals, with scholars learning from the elite.

They will receive up to 10 hours of weekly training from the Championship level coaches and will watch Reading FC stars in training and first-team games.

All learning will take place under the direction of former England National Futsal coach Graeme Dell and Lee Herron, of Reading FC, with training supplemented by regular fixtures in the @Futsal National Youth League and other national Futsal leagues.

Youths completing the two-year courses will gain Btec qualifications from the pioneering virtual sixth-form environment at @Futsal’s Techno Trading Estate arena in Kembrey Park, Swindon.

Craig Beecham, the director of education at @Futsal Ltd, said: “Futsal is the fastest growing sport in the world and we want to be part of that.

“We’re extremely excited by this partnership, and it’s fantastic news for the scholars as they’ll be learning from some of the best.

“The Reading FC coaches will help us produce elite players who may one day represent our country. We’re hoping lots of people will come to our presentation to find out more – just turn up on the day.”

The courses – kicking off in September – are a step in the right direction to bring the UK up to speed with the sport, which is the only officially recognised form of indoor football by worldwide governing body Fifa.

It is also supported by Uefa and the FA, and has been made a cornerstone of development plans for the football associations in the UK.

Lee Herron, the community trust manager at Reading FC, said: “We are delighted to be involved with such a forward thinking project.

“The Futsal Scholarship Programme gives young players the unique opportunity to develop their technical, tactical, physiological and social skills.”

The launch of the Futsal Scholarship follows the successful implementation of a joint learning programme in place between @Futsal and Swindon Academy at Key Stage 4.

Gill Barrett, the associate principle of Swindon Academy, has been the driving force behind both programmes.

She said: “This innovative partnership is inspiring our students, driving aspirations and inspiring their minds.”

While Swindon Academy programme director Simon Abercrombie added: “Swindon Academy, as part of the United Learning Trust, is excited to be part of a project that enables education and the professional sports industry to achieve such positive and far reaching outcomes.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com