Frome Town FC has joined the Southern League Football Academy (SLFA) – the brand new education and football academy of the Evo-Stik South.
An education and football academy side for 16-18 year olds will be created at Frome Town FC and play in the SLFA, with opportunities to play in the FA Youth Cup from September 2019.
They are now on the lookout for talented and committed young footballers who are eager to take their first steps to a career in the semi-professional game and more importantly, study to earn educational qualifications.
The Frome Town Academy is a full-time course which is an alternative to college where students will study for a BTEC in sport at Level 2 or Level 3 which will be delivered by a tutor in the mornings. A UEFA-qualified football coach will then train the students in the afternoons, as well as manage the side on Wednesday afternoons against fellow SLFA sides such as AFC Dunstable, Chesham United and Swindon Supermarine.
All games will take place at the main grounds of all the Evo-Stik South clubs involved and filmed for analysis, with a weekly highlights show which is published every Friday evening.
By being a part of Frome Town FC there are genuine pathways to play for the first team and with the football programme being held between Monday and Friday, students will still be able to play for their local junior sides at the weekend.
Chairman Jeremy Alderman said, “We have tried to set up this programme before on a number of occasions with various companies, but for clubs at this level it is very difficult with time, staff resources, cost and expertise.
“I feel confident this time by becoming a founding member of the SLFA and their management structure, that at last we will have the support to set up a new programme which we have been wanting for such a long time. The SLFA will grow quickly; one of the attractions is being part of the senior league structure and secure financially. The other is they incur all the costs and have the experience to kick-start a programme for us.
“As the league grows, it seems inevitable more opportunities will occur for clubs as part of a wider national programme. We look forward to working with the SLFA to establish an educational programme at Frome, and helping our young players develop both their football and academic opportunities”
First team manager Danny Greaves is delighted with the news saying, “The main reason we are joining the SLFA is progression. We see the value in having a structured well-run academy system within the club and how it will contribute to player development and be a key factor in the club’s growth.
“It will create closer links with the community and local schools, which is fundamental to the club’s long-term aspirations. When we looked at setting this up, we considered various options and chose this programme because of the experience of the providers in the Northern League and the quality of resources and support available.
“The obvious benefits to the club include having players train and play full-time, while also getting an education, stronger links with the local community and schools, ability to develop players internally for the first team, whilst instilling our football philosophy throughout the club. It makes the transition to the first team more achievable and ensures the young players are comfortable when they get their chance.”
There are a maximum of 22 places available for the Frome Town Academy, with trials to be arranged in October, December, February 2019, April and May.
The first trial will take place on Wednesday 31st October, from 10.30am – 12pm at Frome Town FC.
Trialists will need to bring full training kit (your own), shin pads, boots suitable for grass surface, trainers for the gym and a drink.
To register your interest in the academy, please complete the application form at theslfa.co.uk/register
For more information on the SLFA, visit www.theslfa.co.uk.
