College announces new strategic footballing partnership

Wakefield College has announced a major new partnership with Wakefield FC for its flagship Men’s and Ladies’ Football Development Centres (FDC).

L to R – Wakefield College Student Kelsey Morgan, College Sport and Public Service Area Programme Manager Mel Henshall, Wakefield FC MD Pete Bevils and student Bradley Turfrey.

As part of the exciting new high-profile partnership, both organisations will be working on a number of exciting new projects as well as providing a pathway for talented players from the College to progress onto the Wakefield FC senior teams.

Programme Area Manager for Sport and Public Services at the College Mel Henshall said, “This is a very exciting step for us as Wakefield FC is an ambitious club and we are looking forward to working with them on a variety of different levels. Not least, the students in our Football Development Centres will have the opportunity to progress into Wakefield FC's ranks which gives them a great target to aim for. And of course, as Wakefield FC also has a successful women's team, our female students now have a similar pathway.

“There are so many other ways in which we are planning to work together to benefit both Wakefield FC and all their players, and Wakefield College and its students, that it really was an opportunity not to be missed.”

Wakefield FC Director Pete Bevils was equally enthused about the new partnership. He said, “The partnership is another big step forward for Wakefield FC. It makes a lot of sense for both parties, and together we have a lot to offer the City. It will raise the profile for the College and the Football Club, and hopefully the people of Wakefield will be able to see that there are proactive entities working for the City to better its standing, both on and off the football pitch.”

The partnership will also allow the teams use of Wakefield FC’s College Grove facilities for its home games as part of the English Colleges’ Football League (ECFL), as well as access to coaching and other facilities. Wakefield FC, meanwhile, will get first option on the best of the footballing talent available at the College and also get to use the fitness facilities on offer at the Thornes Park Campus for scientific testing of player movements for both tactical and fitness purposes.

The Wakefield College Football Development Centre is part of the English Colleges’ Football League (ECFL), a National Youth League sanctioned by the Football Association to provide competitive fixtures for young talented footballers enrolled into college FDC’s throughout the country. These college Football Development Centres provide for students who wish to continue with full-time education or vocational training whilst at the same time improving their football skills.

Wakefield College FDC has had a number of high profile accomplishments over the last few years. Student Rob Carroll represented the England under 19s and helped them reach the finals in Rome. Rob also won a scholarship in Texas where he pursued his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Other notable successes include Lee Cockerham who played for Doncaster Rovers, and Daniel Riley, who currently coaches youngsters in La Manga. Meanwhile current Wakefield FC player Andy MacManus is a former Wakefield College student who was part of the Football Development Centre.

Links

Football Development Centre and Women's Football Development Centre

ENDS
CONTACT: For more information email info@wakefield.ac.uk, or telephone 01924 789 789.
DATE: 3rd September, 2009