Concord reveal plans for academy (From Basildon Recorder)

Concord reveal plans for academy

2:14pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport By James Colasanti

CONCORD Rangers chairman Antony Smith says they’d love to unearth some future first-team players at their new academy.

The Ryman Premier side want to recruit talented teenagers from across south Essex for the programme, which gets underway in the spring.

Football training will take place alongside academic studies at Concord’s ground in Thames Road, and Smith said it’s a venture everyone at the club is very excited about.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to set up for a couple of years now,” said Smith.

“The difference with our set-up compared to others is that everything will be done at the club. “That will mean the kids don’t have to travel and the parents don’t have to pay for them to travel, which is an important part of what we want to provide.

“We’d like to recruit youngsters from Castle Point – mainly Canvey and Benfleet – but also Southend and the Basildon area.

“Ideally it will suit school leavers, and we’ll also look at who could be eligible from our youth teams.

“It’s something we are excited about and if we can bring a few lads through to play in our first team or even go on to play in the professional game, we’ll be delighted.”

Former Concord player Sam Taylor, who came through the famous youth ranks at West Ham, will be the academy’s manager.

Taylor has played for many Essex non-league sides, and is currently working towards his UEFA A licence.

There will be playing trials for the academy at the Aspect Arena during half-term on April 3 and April 10, and again on May 28.

Recruits must be aged between 16 and 18, and will represent the club at senior youth competitions in the 2013/2014 season.

Teachers from Soccer Coaching Limited (SCL) will oversee academic studies in classroom facilities at the Aspect Arena.

They’ll look to help students work towards a sports diploma, FA coaching qualifications, and core skills in maths and English.

For more information call Sam Taylor on 07956 680740 or email info@concordrangersacademy.co.uk