Mark Fogarty, Recruitment Manager for Coventry City FC, launched Stratford-upon-Avon College’s Football Academy at Stratford Town Football Club on Thursday 21^st January 2010.

The Football Academy, run in conjunction with Coventry City Football Club’s Academy and Stratford Town Football Club, is looking to recruit quality football players, both male and female, who are playing at a good level and want to progress further in both their football careers and in sports education. It will be run at Stratford Town FC’s fantastic new facility at the DCS Stadium in Tiddington and the coaching and teaching will be from UEFA qualified staff.

The Academy offers an apprenticeship in year one comprising of a Level 2 NVQ in Sport and Allied Occupations: Coaching, Teaching and Instructing (Association Football) and a Technical Certificate in Leisure Industry Awareness, Functional Skills and other learner responsive qualifications. Places in the Academy are offered following an interview and trials that will be taking place in February.

Pictured above from left to right: Martin Penny, Principal; Mark Fogarty, Recruitment Manager, Coventry City Football Club; Charles Anderson, Deputy Principal; Craig Hughes, Chairman, Stratford Town FC and Scott Powles, Programme Area Manager, Progression Pathways.

Martin Penny, Principal at the college, said, “We are delighted to be working with Stratford Town Football Club and Coventry Football Club Academy in engaging with local sporting talent and encouraging them into full-time education and professional employment routes within the sporting industry.”

Mark Fogarty commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity for any player who wants to stay in the game at a very good level and ultimately work in the game in one capacity or another. I have been involved in several college academies and players have gone on to play professionally, with a large percentage gaining regular employment, using the qualifications and experience gained in the academy.”

Craig Hughes, Chairman of Stratford Town Football Club, said, “This is an exciting prospect for our town. We are looking forward to working with Stratford-upon-Avon College to develop the Football Academy at the DCS Stadium. The Academy will be able to utilise the best local facilities and will enable the retention of local talent to the benefit of its local football club.”

For more information on the Academy, please contact Mark Fogarty on 07778 851692 or to apply please visit www.stratford.ac.uk|.

For more information, please contact Marketing on 01789 266245 or email marketing@stratford.ac.uk|.

 

Notes for Editors:

1. Mark Fogarty

Mark has lived and breathed football and fitness all his life. In his early 20s he represented the England and Great Britain Police Force football team, before coaching the West Midlands Police team to win the Midland Combination League in 1991.

 

His vast experience speaks for itself. Mark has held almost every position there is within Football Academies and Centres of Excellence. This includes Director for Birmingham City FC Centre of Excellence, Project Manager for Solihull Academy and Academy Scout for West Bromwich Albion FC.

 

 For more information visit: www.markfogarty.com|

 2. Stratford Town FC

Stratford Town FC has attained FA Charter Club status, FA Development Club status and is currently working towards FA Community Club status. Stratford Town FC is a forward thinking and ambitious club, clearly illustrated by the new club, ground and multi-pitch development at the DCS Stadium in Tiddington.

For more information, visit www.stratfordtownfc.co.uk|