Courtesy: DCA Public Relations


Devon teens offered alternative education

19/01/2012

Teenagers in Devon are being offered an alternative to traditional Further Education, with the Exeter City FC Futsal Scholarship which is returning for a second year.

Aimed at Year 11 and 12 school leavers, the BTEC programme is a full time, two year programme based at St James’ Park, which is the equivalent to 3 A Levels and could still lead to further studies at university or a career in the sports and leisure industry.

The first Futsal Scholarship programme launched in September 2011 as a part of a partnership between Exeter City FC’s Football in the Community Trust, The Football League Trust and Virtual Learning UK.

Thirty one students are currently enrolled on the course, which combines education at the state of the art Grecian Centre with practical Futsal training from Exeter City’s fully qualified coaches.

Students compete in a Football League Futsal League, competing on a weekly basis against other professional football clubs which this year has included Plymouth Argyle, Cardiff City, AFC Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.

16 year old Calum Finnimore, one of the students who started the Futsal scholarship in September said: “I’m really enjoying the Futsal course so far, especially being able to play competitively against other teams in the league. When I finished school my mum and dad wanted me to go to college but I don’t really like being in a classroom and prefer to be doing something more practical, so the Futsal scholarship was a really good way to keep them happy but do something I would actually enjoy.

“I would definitely recommend the course to anyone thinking of signing up for next year, it’s a lot of fun and not at all like being at school. I already knew quite a few of the other people on the course from playing football for West Exe, and we all get on well and have a laugh. I’m not sure what I want to do when I leave yet, but the Futsal Scholarship will give me a lot of options for a career in sport, either going straight into a job or maybe training to be a physio.”

Exeter City FC is now accepting applications for a second year of the scholarship which will start in September, with a confirmed 27 places available for boys and girls.

Jamie Vittles, Community Trust Manager for Exeter City FC’s Football in the Community Trust said: “Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced game that is played all over the world, and is credited by some of the world’s top football players like Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas as being key to their football development.

“The scholarship is a great option for school leavers who don’t want to stay at school or go to college, but want to gain qualifications which could lead to Higher Education and future employment in the sport and leisure industry. It gives players the opportunity to develop their tactical, physiological and social skills as well as leading to a BTEC qualification.”

A series of open evenings, training days and trials will be held over the next few weeks which anyone interested in applying for the Futsal Scholarship can attend. The scholarship is open to young men and women who as of September 2012 will be aged 16 or 17 and will have a minimum of four GCSEs.

If you are interested in applying or would like more information, please contact jamie.vittles@exetercityfc.co.uk for more information.




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