Centre of Excellence
2008/09 first year Scholars:
Kyle Haynes
Cleophys Hoare
Ryan Keen
Jake Lee
Theo Lewis
Jason Perry
Josh Quaynor
Cathal Tosh
2008/09 second year Scholars:
Joe Barrett
Jack Durrant
Lewis Fathers
Dean Maynard
Ben Pattison
Myles Tang
Marley Watkins
2008/09 Trainees:
Josh Emery
Jack Taylor
History
The Centre of Excellence was opened in season 1999/2000 to cater for age groups Under-13 to Under-16, who trained twice a weeek with teams competing in 'Centres football' against other Football League clubs. The programme was rapidly expanded to include age groups from Under-8 through to Under-18 over the next three years. At present there are approximately 120 registered schoolboys training two or three times per week in addition to 18 full-time Scholars and trainees.
For the very latest news regarding Cheltenham Town FC Youth Development programme click on the link provided here
Mission statement
Through a structured programme of technical and holistic development, we aim to provide the best opportunities for locally based players in and around Gloucestershire to learn and develop in a safe and guided environment. Our central objective is for individuals to progress into professional football.
Core aim
For a player to be successful at any level he must be given the right environment in which to perform. Individual playing ability is a key to success but this is by no means the only factor. We know that the players who make it in football are those whose attitude is geared towards the goal of becoming a 'professional footballer'. Our aim at Cheltenham Town is to educate our players in ALL aspects of training to be a professional so that we can maximise their chances of success through providing the right environment.
We take an interest in all aspects of the development of our players and this includes progress made at school, since it is vital that our youngest do not fall into the trap of ignoring their studies in pursuit of their dream. To this end, we aim to provide liaison between the club, the school and the parents.
We can only do this in co-operation with parents and other helpers and we as a club recognise the vital importance of this partnership to which we must all be committed.
Youth team
Each year the Centre of Excellence awards Scholarships to students leaving school. These Scholarships are offered to players who have demonstrated the potential to progress through to the professional ranks.
The apprenticeship scheme is designed to provide young players with the opportunity to become a professional player, while providing each player with a recognised academic qualification - the NVQ in Sporting Excellence.
Education
New players joining the scheme will study for an Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence. The two year apprenticeship is awarded by the Football Club and monitored by the League Football Education (LFE). The LFE is charged by Government policy and funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)to deliver the Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (ASE).
The ASE framework comprises the work based experience (the Football Development Programme), work based learning (the NVQ) and academic education (the Technical Certificate).
The apprentices study 12 hours per week at the Football Club on Monday and Friday afternoons and all day Wednesdays. Each apprentice has a log book which integrates both their playing, training and educational experiences which are regularly monitored by the LFE.
Exit routes
We know that not every apprentice we take on will go on to obtain a professional contract. From the first day full-time apprentices come onto the programme, we educate them and make them aware of alternative careers and education programmes outside football. There are a number of exit routes for apprentices who do not progress to the professional squad. Options include:
- Seeking another professional Club
- Playing non league football
- Seeking further higher education
- Opportunities of American scholarships or other overseas opportunities
- Finding employment
We have had a number of players who have gone on to study at Universities and Colleges, attained football scholarships in the USA, gained contracts with non-league clubs or who have gained employment. We place a strong emphasis on support for players seeking alternative options away from the football club.
Hartpury College
The Hartpury Football Academy is the product of a relationship between Hartpury College and Cheltenham Town FC.
The aim of the Academy is to attract high quality football players to study at Hartpury College with a view to developing their football talent and breaking into the Academy and Cheltenham Town FC teams.
The close association between the College and Cheltenham Town FC enables students to demonstrate their talents to a professional club and work closely with the players and coaches.
Recent Scholar Will Puddy joined the Youth Team from Hartpury College while continuing his studies there. He went on to represent the England Schools FA side and later gained a full professional contract with Cheltenham Town.
The link has also benefited youth team players who have been released at 18+. Luke Buttery was a former professional player with Cheltenham Town who joined Hartpury College to study for a degree. He has since represented the BUSA side and gone on to play for the England University side during season 2005/06.
Cheltenham Town FC now bases their whole Centre of Excellence at Hartpury and uses the extensive facilities on weekday evenings. The football programme provided by the College continues to develop as the College increases the quality and quantity of the sports facilities available.
As a result of this connection and the growing reputation of the College, stronger links are now being established between the College and non league football clubs within the area.
As well as improving players, Hartpury College aims to develop well-educated students who will further enhance the game of football through working behind the scenes as well as on the field of play.
A number of the students currently demonstrate their coaching skills in the Cheltenham Town Centre of Excellence and other local clubs.
Centre of Excellence
Age groups within the Centre of Excellence utilise the facilities at Hartpury College where they train between two and three evenings a week. All home fixtures are played at the Cheltenham Town FC training ground at Swindon Village on Sunday mornings.
All schoolboys work to a technical programme which has been created by both the Youth and First Team departments. There are progressive steps between age groups which will test and stretch young players at every level with the emphasis being placed upon individual development. While the results of fixtures do not carry any significance with us, we do look for a competitive attitude and winning mentality in players.
It is the aim of the Centre of Excellence to produce players who can be awarded two year apprenticeships with the Football Club.
Medical and rehabilitation
Our medical staff provide a high standard of care and advice for all schoolboy players. Injured players are treated and rehabilitated by our physiotherapists with their progress monitored until the player reaches full fitness.
A medical protocol is in place for all players relating to injury, diagnosis, action and rehabilitation. It is important that players always report an injury to a member of the medical staff at the earliest opportunity.
Player feedback
Each player will receive two written and two verbal reports over the season which will be produced by the age group coach and the Head of Youth Development.
Meetings are held at the training ground for every signed player and parent in November / December with the second meeting in March. It will be at these meetings where players receive feedback on their progress withn the Centre. Additional parents meetings are held at least twice per year where issues on youth development are discussed.
We place a strong emphasis on every player's education. By developing a positive relationship between each player, parent, school and the Football Club we aim to create an environment which supports the individual's educational needs and ask that each schoolboy works to their full potential.
Parent feedback
It is important that parents and players are aware of the information supplied by the Football League in the 'Parents and Players Handbook.' in addition to the Club's own Parents Information Booklet.
We monitor the number of games each boy plays but as the players progress through the age groups we ask the players to limit the number of games with external teams. However, it is always an honour to represent the County and your Country and these players are encouraged to represent these sides if selected.
Accommodation required
We are always on the lookout for local families to provide digs for young footballers aged 16 to 17. If you are interested, please get in touch with the youth department using the contact details below.
Cheltenham Town Centre of Excellence
Seasons Business and Leisure
Quat Goose Lane
Swindon Village
Cheltenham
GL1 9LN.
Tel: 01242 254444
Fax: 01242 254451
Email: youth@ctfc.com
website: www.ctfcyd.com
Directions
From Junction 11 (M5) take A40 towards for 1.5km then take 3rd exit off roundabout (A40 Cheltenham). After 700 metres take first exit off roundabout onto Princess Elizabeth Way. Continue past College buildings (on left) and shops on right. Negotiate Coronation Square by turning right followed by a left to continue down Princess Elizabeth Way. The Grammar School will be on your on left hand side. After approx 2kms go straight over large roundabout with PC World on left side, taking (2nd exit) into Kingsditch Lane. Continue for approx another 2kms turning immediately left just before a railway bridge which is situated over the road on an acute right hand bend. Drive 200 metres and take first right in to Quat Goose Lane. After 150 metres turn right into Seasons Business and Leisure.
Forms
Although we cannot guarantee you a trial, should you wish to register your interest in having a trial at Cheltenham Town please complete the below enquiry form and either post it to the training ground or e-mail it to youth@ctfc.com
