Courtesy: This is Exeter


City students' chance to join soccer's elite in new scholarship scheme

STUDENTS will get the chance to continue their education alongside professional football coaching as part of a new scholarship programme being launched by Exeter City.

Anyone interested in joining should attend the Futsal Scholarship open evening on Wednesday, May 25 at 6.30pm hosted by the club's community trust.

There will then be a training day at Exeter University on Tuesday, May 31.

Futsal 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.

The courses start in September and the scheme is open to year 11 and 12 male students.

The new education programme has been made possible due to a partnership deal just signed between Exeter City Community Trust, The Football League Trust and eight other professional football clubs.

The course will see scholars learning from the elite, receiving up to six hours of weekly training from UEFA level coaches and watching Exeter City stars in training and in first team matches.

All learning will take place under the direction of Jamie Vittles, Exeter's community trust manager, with training supplemented by regular fixtures against the other professional clubs taking part.

Those completing the two-year courses will gain BTEC level three sport qualifications from the pioneering virtual sixth form at The Grecian Centre at St James's Park.

The club will scout players on the Futsal Scholarship Programme, with the best being given the opportunity to train with Exeter City FC's Youth Team.

In addition, learners taking part in the course will wear Exeter City kit and the club will provide rewards for scholars such as match tickets.

Mr Vittles 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 in a sporting environment while gaining a BTEC qualification.

"The full-time courses underpin playing performance with opportunities to focus on vocational or academic pathways, arming students with the skills to get into university or employment in the sports and leisure industry.

"They will also be equipped with the tools necessary to play an active role in their local communities by providing industry-recognised coaching and refereeing awards."

With all home nations currently languishing near the bottom of FIFA's official rankings, one of the programme's core aims is to develop the next generation of international players.

Craig Beecham, 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 Exeter City 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."

Anyone interested is asked to contact Jamie in advance for more details on jamie.vittles@exetercity.co.uk.


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