Issue 16 - December 2011 News from League Football Education Touchline Inside: Sporting Chance | Hitting the Headlines | If U Care Share
Making their Mark Current and ex-Apprentices hitting the headlines
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WEB @LFEonline TWITTER Got a story? Want to share news with other WEB EMAIL www.lfe.org.uk PERSON Performance VIDEO LFE partners? email: [email protected] news blog.lfe.org.uk PERSONEMAILBLOG Analysis PHONE BLOGPHONETWITTER in Sport
HOME TWITTERVIDEO ‘Make yourself a better Player & better Coach’ HOME LFE Nets Award Double! LFE is working in partnership with Northumbria EMAIL VIDEO University to offer you a free qualification that League Football Education has won first prize in the Leonardo Film will take you beyond your playing career with category of the Ecorys and British Council ‘Your Story’ Competition EMAILPHONE Performance Analysis in Sport. Goal after submitting a short film depicting this summer’s pre-season WEB tour. The film highlighted the experiences of Apprentices & Club Being able to use analysis technology and PHONEHOME Staff from Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Watford and Wycombe techniques puts you more in control of your Where goals are concerned, Goal of the Month Wanderers whilst in Holland. own development as a player. PERSON HOME has been spoilt for choice this season. LFE also picked up a Bronze Award in the 2011 E-Learning Awards Gaining a qualification in Performance Analysis of the for its Functional Skills materials ‘Fit for the Future’. The learning BLOG will also provide you with additional career The standard has stepped up a level from last year with more and resources were produced in conjunction with Sportiv8, Kineo and opportunities off the pitch. more clubs now submitting their finest goals each month. Navitas Sports Consultancy and featured current Strictly Come TWITTER In November, LFE received a record number of 27 entries for Dancing Star Robbie Savage, PFA Chairman Clarke Carlisle and Lee For more information about this free of charge short course and to apply go to: the October Goal of the Month competition. Hills and Sean Scannell (both Crystal Palace). VIDEO Month A hat-trick of awards was in sight when LFE Communications www.lfe.org.uk/video-analysis Manager Steve Sutcliffe was shortlisted for an NCTJ Award WEBEMAIL for Excellence in Sports Journalism but his collection of LFE 0845 074 0561 related features was pipped at the post by Tim Groves PHONE Simon Williams, LFE AlumniPERSON Liaison Officer of Planet Rugby.
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You Said: We DidVIDEO Apprentices & Clubs say ASE is Outstanding.EMAIL ASE has been given a huge The same percentage of Apprentices August September October endorsement by Apprentices and also highlighted the supportPHONE and Bristol City’s Elan Gordon WEB Over 1400 GOTM voters Southend United hit-man, Football Clubs in LFE’s most recent guidance they receive as ‘Outstanding’ HOME claimed 45 per cent of opted for Portsmouth’s Jack Payne’s left-footed Self-Assessment Report Questionnaire. while 95 per cent of Education the vote to beat off three Ashley Harris and his effort against Dagenham & 232 Second Year Apprentices, 24 Clubs Providers felt that LFE’s leadership and PERSON Hull City nominations spectacular overhead kick Redbridge on 22 October saw and 20 Education Providers took part in management of the programme was with his fantastic strike that beat the stranded off the challenge of Crystal the survey which was overseen by LFE’s ‘Outstanding’. BLOG against Stoke City on 20 MK Dons ‘keeper on 17 Palace’s Kyle Da Silva and Quality Manager Clive Cheetham. To see a full summary of this report August. September. Portsmouth’s George Colson. The results were fantastic with 88 and results from The ASE, Sporting TWITTER per cent of the Apprentice sample Chance and NVQ Standardisation and 92 per cent of Clubs grading the Questionnaire’s please visit: To watch the GOTM competitionsVIDEO from this season please visit: www.lfe.org.uk/goal-of-the-month or watch LFE TV on our homepage. programme as ‘Outstanding’ at meeting their needs. www.lfe.org.uk/apprentice-info/WEB EMAIL you-said-we-did
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VIDEO Development Fund Got a story? Want to share news with other EMAIL news LFE partners? email: [email protected] Spend IT Wisely PHONE After opening for business in October, Meanwhile in conjunction with LFE’s production club applications for the LFE Development of media training units that link to the NVQ, Media Units fund are coming in thick and fast and BTEC and Key Skills qualifications a number of clubs seem to have concentrated their highly respected media training organisations HOME submissions on one main area, improving have approached LFE to offer clubs and Facing the media is a difficult IT equipment and facilities. apprentices bespoke training days. task for anyone in the public As more and more support structures for clubs The likes of Staffordshire University, eye and can make or break a and Apprentices move online and learning FC Business, Sport Business, Pergall Media, players image! becomes increasingly blended it is essential that Smith & Smith PR and The Press Association are club’s are well equipped in this area to ensure all keen to engage with clubs and young players However football clubs now have the the continued success of the ASE programme. in this area. This training would be designed to opportunity to prepare Apprentices for life The funding of course can be used to fill any fit key criteria that LFE has identified; namely as a professional footballer by delivering gaps in resources or equipment to improve the that it is integrated within the existing ASE a course of media units, produced by LFE Apprenticeship programme and in the past Framework and adds value to it. It provides to enhance the existing Apprenticeship WEB sports science equipment, team bonding days players with an awareness of the media and its programme. and even transportation have been popular role to prepare them for life as a professional and it offers exit and progression opportunities Units in; ‘Understanding the role of the choices for clubs to splash the cash. PERSON and support for those leaving the game at the media’, ‘The footballer’s role within the That offering extends further this season with end of their Apprenticeship. sports media’,’Preparing for an interview’, opportunities provided by the likes of Corporate BLOG ’Conducting an interview’ and ‘Being Battlefields and Media Training Organisations. If you need any further help or advice in relation interviewed’, aim to provide players with to the Development Fund or have any ideas Corporate Battlefields offer clubs the chance TWITTER on how the scheme could be developed in an awareness of the media and its role to take Apprentices to the sites of World War in football. future years please do not hesitate to contact Battles for a different kind of team building VIDEO Top of the Table Alan Sykes at: The units which can be delivered in-house event. For more information about this type of At the time of writing Brighton & Hove Albion had won 7 out of Group A in the Academy League sees Fulham attempting to repeat or by club’s pairing with external providers day visit: [email protected] EMAIL their 9 South East Conference games to top the division. In a double last term’s success. They look comfortable at the top with a game in map across in to the existing education www.corporatebattlefields.comWEB delight for the Seagulls, Shamir Goodwin topped the Youth Alliance hand over Arsenal and Crystal Palace who are in second and third framework as well as offering exit and The deadline for the Development Fund forPHONE the goal scoring charts with 11 goals. place respectively. progression opportunities and pathways. 2011-12 season is 31 May 2012. PERSON Meanwhile Crawley Town have made an encouraging start to their September’s GOTM contender Dominic Samuel has fired in eight Gaining transferable skills is central to this HOME debut Youth Alliance season sitting in 4th spot on 17 points. goals for Reading who find just Coventry City above them in the work e.g. responding to a post-match WEB BLOG Elsewhere, South West Conference leaders Bristol Rovers are still yet Academy League Group B. interview requires the same presentation to be beaten whilst at the other end of the table Hereford United Group C has just one Football League club within its ranks, Crewe skills that may be required for a job WEB are still searching for their first point of the season. Alexandra and they claimed their third win of the season in a 4-2 interview with a potential employer PERSON TWITTER outside of football. Up in the North East Hull City boast an outstanding goal difference thriller away at West Bromwich Albion on 12 November. BLOG VIDEO of +19 securing their number one spot above Darlington who Third-placed Derby County fell one goal short of a miraculous The media units will be available for allPERSON clubs to download and use from the VLE remain in second place. comeback against Group D leaders Newcastle United, who nearly EMAIL on 1 December but should you requireTWITTERBLOG November started with a bang for Burnley. The Clarets brushing threw away a 4-0 lead. The Rams clawed back three goals but were denied a fourth in injury time when the Magpies’ stopper any further information about these aside local rivals Preston North End, 6-1 before following that up PHONE materials please contact VIDEOTWITTER with a battling 2-1 win against Bury to see them in to top spot in instinctively flung himself in the way of Mason Bennett’s goal bound effort from six yards. the North West. EMAIL HOME Gavin Willacy ([email protected])VIDEO
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HOME Sporting Chance If U Care Share A Problem Shared Getting a“It helpedSporting them understand the sort Chance Nottingham Forest is one “You only need to look at the stuff about The first part of the Sporting Chance of pressures that addictions can cause Beckham and the German goalkeeper Robert of thirteen clubs to have bandwagon has come to a halt. especially the impact that these things Enke that we covered today to realise that It took in Twenty football clubs in just can have on families and friends not participated in workshops things can get on top of you and affect your frame of mind”. 12 days but the message remained to mention careers.” run by If U Care Share “The experiences that Dean and Shirley shared the same in every session. LFE and Sporting Chance first started this work this Autumn. in 2009 and while the composition of what with us were really powerful and made me “Footballers around the globe need to a session includes has evolved one familiar realise how lucky I am. It’s great to know that learn about these issues,” said Chesterfield element that hasn’t is the ‘Player’s Story’ which support is on hand though if anyone needs it”. Apprentice Jack Waddle. involves a current or ex professional, who has Any help given by If U Care Share is of course
A sentiment echoed by his counterparts across suffered with addiction, reliving his experiences confidential but they believe ‘talking’ can and
the Football League, from Watford to West to those in the room. does make a difference and in some instances Ham and Cardiff City to Crystal Palace all One such former player is Darren Wrack, save lives. were unanimous in their appreciation of what a talented midfielder who will be best “There were times when I was playing when “We have our own personal experience of an afternoon with The Sporting Chance remembered from his time at Walsall. Wrack all I could think about were issues that my losing a loved one through these types of Clinic meant. addiction had caused – so how can you play to issues,” said Dean Smith. That of course is an interactive workshop the best of your ability in those circumstances?” “Everyone hits a time in their lives when that challenges players to look at destructive Wrack’s candid admissions, as well as those LFE developed a partnership with the they can feel really down. Sometimes we behavioural patterns, be more aware of their from course leader Mordue may have shocked organisation fronted by husband and wife can pinpoint the reason why, i.e. exams, lifestyle choices and to think about the pitfalls some of the Apprentices listening to them but team Dean and Shirley Smith earlier this year, relationships, pressure. There may be times that go hand in hand with every-day life as all were keen to take advice on board. after they had successfully delivered seminars we just feel down and there may be no reason a footballer. at Darlington and Hartlepool Utd. “It was really interesting to hear Darren speak for feeling this way. It’s ok to not feel ok.” “It’s an important exercise as far as I’m so openly about what had happened to him The aim to draw upon personal experiences to “It is so important that if you feel this way concerned,” said Dave Bentley Chesterfield’s and the strain it placed on his relationships with act as a support mechanism for young players and you can’t understand why, that you talk Youth Supremo. other people,” said Cardiff City’s Rhys Hartley. to help them deal with negative emotions and to someone and it’s about club’s and players “To have Chris (Mordue) and Darren (Wrack) feelings of despair and distress. And while the Watford’s Tom Hoban, added: “It shows how recognising the types of emotional strain that here talking to our young players is really good. time taken to run these sessions comes in at easy it is to slip into problems. can all of a sudden develop.” The stuff they relayed to the lads about what 90 minutes, a length of time that most players “We’re not saying we have every answer to was going on in their minds when they were “The most interesting part was when Chris was are familiar with - feedback has indicated that every problem but ‘Sharing’ your problems having problems was captivating.” eventually went to Sporting Chance when his telling us his life-story at the start. the topics covered have a lasting impact that gambling problems spiralled beyond his control. can make a difference,” added Smith. “It just shows how bad things can get. goes beyond the final whistle. He is now eager to turn that negative in to a You wouldn’t expect him to have any of those positive by helping others learn from “It’s a very beneficial presentation looking at problems from looking at him. It just shows his mistakes. the emotions that young people go through,” that you can’t really tell what’s going on from said Reds midfielder, Ryan Markey. “The types of issues that face young footballers the outside.” can be difficult to deal with alone. The most “It’s relevant to most people, we all have What the programme does offer is information important thing is being able to make the right stages in life when we feel down and this on addiction, the effects of alcohol, drugs choices and asking for help when you need it,” is about trying to deal with it in the best and gambling on mind, body and performance said Wrack. way possible.” and contacts for support, should problems Ryan Tinsley concurred with his team- “Things start off small and escalate, it’s arise. Let’s hope none of the class of 2012 mate adding. important that you can understand the will need the latter. warning signs before they get too far. “I had a decent playing career but do I think 6 it could have been better? Yes of course. 7 Image courtesy of P.A. Mark Wright Josh Carmichael Johnny Williams Billy Sharp Love him or loathe him it seems you can’t Since the last edition First Year Apprentice Josh Carmichael is Apprentice of the Month in September, A special mention in this section is reserved keep a good Essex lad down. Whether it’s of Touchline a number living the dream on the South Coast after Crystal Palace midfielder Johnny Williams for Billy Sharp. In November the Doncaster his complicated love life, Twitter banter making his AFC Bournemouth debut earlier has been one of the stars of the club’s of current and former Rovers forward made himself available for with Joey Barton or more recently his bid this season while still aged 16. impressive start to the Championship to become King of the Jungle in ITV’s I’m Apprentices been hitting a League encounter against Middlesbrough season. head just days after the death of his newborn Carmichael was thrust into League One A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here, Mark the media headlines. action at Exeter City as a first half substitute Recently handed a long-term deal which son Luey Jacob Sharp. The former Sheffield Wright is never far from the headlines. and has since gone on to sign a professional will see him remain at Selhurst Park Touchline looks at those Utd Apprentice led a moving tribute to With his popularity growing offers have deal. The Scotland schoolboy international until the summer of 2015, the energetic who have been attracting his boy prior to the match before hitting a been flooding in to the 24-year-old will now be aiming for more of the same midfielder is tipped to have a big future wonder strike in the 14th minute, which he former Southend Utd Apprentices who the newspaper column as the season progresses after impressing in the game. He will have to overcome dedicated to his son. made his name in The Only Way is Essex. Cherries boss Lee Bradbury. some adversity though after breaking his inches and ruling the In a series of Tweets after the game he said; “When I was asked if I wanted to do line “Josh got his chance and grabbed it with leg playing for Wales U21s in Armenia last television and radio “My goal tonight was the most important the jungle, I really wanted to take the month. goal of my career dedicated to my brave both hands. I was very pleased with him, opportunity. I have been offered lots of airwaves. said Bradbury. “It was sad news but you will see Jonny boy Luey Jacob Sharp I love u son sleep different things so we’ll just have to see Williams’ character coming through and tight.thatsforyouson,” “He is composed on the ball and has got a what happens afterwards but I’m really he will be back in a Palace shirt,” said lot of good attributes”. excited about my future,” said Wright. ACTS “To captain the side tonight was an honour Eagles boss Dougie Freedman. and a pleasure, the minute applause – I was “I think this young man will cope with it crying, meant so much to me thanks to James Ward-Prowse Kane Ferdinand very well and probably come back better both sets of fans.” A creative midfielder James Ward Prose physically as well as mentally.” The Ferdinand family’s association with is expected to be the next big thing to West Ham United could enter a fourth come out of Southampton’s Academy after chapter if you believe what you read in making his debut for the club in the League the papers. Cup earlier this season while still only 16 Les, Rio and Anton have all graced Upton years-old. Park over the years and now Southend In recent times the Saints have produced Utd’s Kane, another member of the players like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott Ferdinand clan is reportedly interesting and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and if initial the Hammers. feedback is anything to go by England U17 Raised in Dagenham, the Republic of international Ward-Prowse could soon be Ireland youth international has been a keeping them company as a Premier League driving force in the Shrimpers midfield player. this season, helping the club to the top of “He has got a maturity about him that is League Two. beyond his years and passes the ball ever so well,” said Manager, Nigel Adkins. Jordan Rhodes With six goals in as many outings for Aaron Cresswell Scotland’s U21’s and 13 goals in 11 starts “When we signed him, everybody was for Huddersfield Town, Jordan Rhodes has talking about (Michael) Chopra and others, started the season in blistering form. but Cressy might turn out to be our top A key component of the Terriers team signing”. That was the view of Ipswich Town that has gone over 40 League One games boss Paul Jewell shortly before he tied Aaron unbeaten Manager Lee Clark recently Cresswell down to a new improved contract laughed off speculation that his prized last month. forward could be the subject of a £2million The former Tranmere youth product has bid by one of the Premier League’s big boys. been a revelation since joining the Tractor “There’s absolutely nothing in it - £2m Boys in the summer and if Jewell’s men, can, wouldn’t even buy his socks,” said Clark. as expected put a good run together after Images courtesy of P.A. Christmas we could be looking at a Premier 8 9 League star next term. Club Focus Preston Performs Preston North End Youth Team gets a thumbs up from Phil Brown
When the 2011-12 season kicked-off Whilst fellow new professionals Dominic clubs and Dean Ramsdale believes that this “Brandon Zibaka, Doyle Middleton and Luke at youth level and the fact that the club’s in August Preston North End faced the Comrie, Scott Leather and Michael McLellan in itself is testimony to the quality of players Clark are all still part of the youth regime young players never let him down when immediate reality of life outside the will be looking to make an impact at some the club is bringing through its ranks: and are having a taste of the first-team called upon. Championship for the first time in 11 years. point during the rest of the season. “Jamie Hoyland (Youth Team Manager) environment already. It’s important that “I have a great rapport with the youth A 2 - 4 home reverse at the hands of At the outset of the season Boss Phil Brown and myself have implemented a strategy to the rest of the U18 squad follow suit and department and speak regularly with them Colchester Utd on the opening day a pledged to give youth a chance and he produce players for the first-team. In the continue to push on in the hunt for that about which players are ready to be moved reminder that life in League One was not appears to be sticking to his word. last two years we’ve had twelve Apprentices same progression.” up,” said Brown. going to be easy. Jamie Proctor and Connor McLaughlin sign professional terms which in itself is a After making first-team bow back in “I select players on merit so if they are The recent fortunes of Leeds United, have become integral members of great achievement and reflects the work September Zibaka became North End’s playing well enough they’ll get a chance it’s Charlton Athletic, Southampton and both Brown’s first-team squad racking up close we do in the youth department,” youngest ever player beating current youth as simple as that.” said Ramsdale. team-mate Middleton’s record of 16 years Sheffield United and Wednesday is evidence to 50 appearances between them in “There are some bright enough that life below the Championship total. More recently George Miller made “There’s a good and 122 days by 6 days. “It’s unbelievable to get the opportunity so futures at the Club and it is can take a little time to readjust to. his second appearance for the club in reputation attached to the October’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash at early on in my Apprenticeship,” said Zibaka. all about giving them the But despite the potential for relegation to Apprenticeship programme demoralise even the most ardent North End Morecambe. “After the game my mates in the youth opportunity so it’s important fan one shining light at Deepdale has been Two years ago the trio would have been we run here and Phil Brown team all texted me, including Jamie Hoyland that the young lads strive to and Dean Ramsdale, so I’m really happy. a flourishing youth programme and found at PNE’s Springfields training ground has bought into it which be a part of my team.” a steadfast policy of giving young players playing for the U18’s in the Youth Alliance gives the young lads an It just shows how together we are in the a chance. under Director of Youth Dean Ramsdale. youth team,” the 16 year-old added. extra motivation because This season Bailey Wright, Sean Clucas, and Adam Barton and Danny Mayor, both ASE While North End boss Brown has currently Daniel Devine have all featured at first-team graduates, have made giant leaps forward in they know that there are got a job on his hands to catapult the club level after signing pro terms at the end of the last twelve months. Both are rumoured opportunities if they work back up to the top of the league table, he their Apprenticeships in June. to have been targeted by Premier League hard and perform.” has been pleased by the work going on
10 Images courtesy of P.A. 11 Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester is fast emerging as one of MadBen Dyson formerly of Stockport County, “I think thatfor with the difficulties that itgoalkeeper Daniel Hancockat has opted to Like DysonMMU and Hancock, Jordan Kay who UCAS than any other institution but despite Europe’s top cities. Recent developments Daniel Hancock ex Rotherham Utd and Stockport faced last year it would have been navigate towards pursuing a career as a PE was a right-back at Nottingham Forest is the obvious competition to just get in, Phil like the BBC’s move to Media City has Jordan Kay from Nottingham Forest all foolish for any player there to not consider Teacher on the university’s Cheshire campus. getting used to the idea of having a new Cook, the University’s Sport and Marketing helped to cement this view. It is also the started degree programmes in September. what else was out there. “The course has started well,” said Hancock, vision for his future off the pitch. Manager, believes that ex Apprentices place that has spawned some of the best The aim to come out with qualifications and “It was an easy decision to come to MMU. who like Dyson is taking a sabbatical from He is enrolled on a BA (Hons) in Sports are well placed to benefit from Higher British bands of all time, like Joy Division, experience that will hold up in an increasingly The University has just spent £300,000 on playing any football this year. Marketing Management which seems tailor- Education. New Order, The Smiths, Oasis and the competitive graduate job market. a graduate incubator to help those looking “I’m on a Sport & Exercise Science degree made to give him an insight in to the ever “A degree remains a good investment and recently reformed Stone Roses. It boasts A recent survey highlighted the finance to set-up their own businesses and plans so we’ve done some VO2 max testing expanding commercial aspects of sport. is one of the best pathways to achieving a English football’s top two football clubs sector as one of the most popular areas for a new £75m Business School are well as well as working through units on “I’ve not 100 per cent pinned down exactly good job and rewarding career. and is known for its rich and diverse for graduate job applications and Dyson underway. physiology, anatomy and bio-mechanics. what I want to do after I graduate but I “The youngsters who come to communities. who is studying for a BA (Hons) in Business “Manchester is now the second largest “I had an idea in my mind that would still like to work in Sport,” said Kay. us from football have a good On top of that with close to 100,000 Management is keen to try something financial and professional services centre in “I wasn’t that interested in the coaching students Manchester is the student capital completely different after his experience I would like to work in teaching work ethic already instilled the UK after London so with the functional and I thought this fitted with my pathway so if I’m not going to be a player in them and can compete of Europe. of football: and analytical skills that I should develop existing skill set from football. anymore this is the next best thing,” academically with the That’s why three youngsters who were “I was injured quite a lot when I was at on the course I’d like to think I’ll be well he added. Apprentices last season have just embarked Stockport so I had already started to think prepared for the future.” MMU seemed a natural choice students who have come Last year MMU was officially the most on undergraduate courses at Manchester what life might be like away from football,” after reading about it on LFE’s from a mainstream Further While Dyson is hoping to plot a course popular University in the UK. It attracted Metropolitan University (MMU). said Dyson. into the Business world ex Rotherham Utd website and I was lucky enough Education background.” to be given a place here.” more applications for its courses through 12 13 Kick it Out Training York St John PFA Opens New Doors making a “It’s what I wanted to do,” he said. Based in the historic city of York seven and its skyline is dominated by the impressive former footballers are aiming to write York Minster Cathedral. Renowned as a “With my sporting background it works new chapters in their futures thanks to place of Christian worship, each November, nicely and gives me the chance to get plenty a partnership between The Professional The Minster transforms itself to host the of experience”. Footballers Association (PFA) and York University’s graduation ceremonies. difference Like, Bartle, Butcher has also found St John University (YSJ). In attendance this year, were Liam Bartle Walsall is one of six football clubs to have taken part in pioneering employment in the private sector and he (Bradford City) and Mark Devonshire The PFA currently funds five places at YSJ shares another thing in common with his diversity training workshops run by Kick It Out this season. (Barnsley), both celebrating upper second For his team-mate Mal Singh-Benning each year for ex players wishing to study for a peers, an affinity to The PFA. class honours degrees while Gary Butcher The project which started in earnest last the day was particularly poignant; degree in Physiotherapy. In addition, Director (Scunthorpe Utd) collected his lower second “The PFA have been fantastic to me,” he said. April, at Sheffield Utd and Southampton “I’ve twice suffered racism whist playing of Education, Pat Lally and the University’s Jill Wickham and Judy Purton have been able to class degree. “I don’t know of any other union who can has already received government backing football and I wasn’t able to concentrate With a new challenge on the horizon the provide the support they do. Pat Lally and his in the form of a commendation by No 10. help other former players gain admission to for the rest of the game. Things like that the course via the NHS bursary route. ambition is to follow in the footsteps of team are magnificent. Downing Street Senior Broadcast Adviser shouldn’t be happening in this day and age. other former players who have already “The funding they offer is the main reason Michael Salter. He was impressed by what Current undergraduates include Matt “The sessions will undoubtedly help to Fenney and Ryan Newton, both formerly of made the metamorphosis from Footballer to that the three of us have got through the he saw on a short film made by LFE to educate everyone involved in them and it is Doncaster Rovers, Lee Booth once of Leeds Physiotherapist. They include the likes of Paul degree. Without the PFA this wouldn’t have highlight the work that had started with important that people learn how they can “We speak about discrimination, Utd and former Nottingham Forest man Teather, Nicky Reid, Gregg Blundell and been possible - we all owe them a huge debt Apprentice players. make a difference.” the language people use and Andy Haskins. Matt Radcliffe. of gratitude.” As a result this initiative was widened The workshop which is designed to be certain barriers that still exist And Fenney, credits his time on the “I worked at Nottingham Forest in the For Lally seeing three young men make summer with their Academy players to gain this year to include 15 football clubs and interactive is all the more engaging as it is led within the industry,” said Barrett treatment table at the Keepmoat Stadium successes of their studies and move on after experience,” said Devonshire. football encapsulates what his department approximately 270 Apprentices. by Kick It Out’s Earl Barrett, who has first- as the inspiration behind his move into “Football is a fantastic sport and its there Higher Education; “I’ve just got a position as the physiotherapist is about: The workshops, which are designed to hand experience of being on the receiving for everybody, no matter what colour, creed, at Ilkeston Town so it’s a great chance for challenge stereotypes and the attitudes end of racist taunts from his days as a player. “I was injured for 9 months when I was at “It’s a tremendous achievement for the lads me to work in this profession on a day-to- of young players have also taken place race or gender they might be. Doncaster and during that time I became to come away with these degrees,” said Lally. And while he admits that football has come day basis.” “We can all do more - right across the interested in anatomy, treatment and “These results and others shows what we in at Darlington, Gillingham, Ipswich Town, a long way since he started out as a player MK Dons and Stockport County. They have board. I think its important people know rehabilitation,” he said. Fellow graduate Bartle, is also on the career the department have known for many years – the former England international who ladder after landing a job specialising in been met with a positive response no more that everyone involved in Kick it Out is “As a result when I was released footballers are more than capable of holding counts Manchester City, Oldham Athletic, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at a private their own academically. working flat out to make people understand I had an idea that this might so than at the Banks’ Stadium. Aston Villa, and Everton amongst his former hospital. the benefits of equality and how we can be for me. When The PFA “The course at YSJ is Walsall Apprentice Arron Williams, said; clubs is pleased to front this work and contacted me to say they all make a difference.” flourishing. The staff “One thing that really stuck in my mind is continue Football’s momentum in promoting might be able to get me on the and facilities are second how we might say things meant as banter social inclusion. course here, it was a no brainer.” to none and we are hopeful but could really offend some people”. Now a third year student that our partnership can at YSJ, Fenney is over the be extended to other disappointment that past subject areas in injuries caused him and is the future.” enjoying studying in what he describes as a ‘beautiful old city’. With Roman ruins strewn across the cobbled streets, the city is steeped in tradition 14 15 Image courtesy of Peter Byrne ANALYSING AGER’S Log in to your Virtual Learning PERFORMANCE www.lfe.org.uk Environment Find out what’s going on with Former Apprentice This is a skill set that he is using to his advantage Ager is accountable for the pre-match, live match and Progression 2012 on the career ladder as a Performance Analyst. post-match analysis at the Toffees from U9’s up to Charlie Ager Ager joined Alex as a 6 year-old primary school pupil and Reserve Team level and it is a role he relishes. spent two years at progressed all the way through the club’s schoolboy sides He continued; Crewe Alexandra to join the club as a full-time Apprentice in 2007. That “I work with the players and coaches to was where his journey as a footballer ended and a new provide them with detailed feedback, keeping his passage in his life began. that I create using software such as Watch LFE TV, with eye on the ball, Twelve years after joining the Railwaymen he received Prozone and Sportscode after filming clips from Goal of the news that his time was up from then Manager training and matches”. the Month & Season tracking his Dario Gradi. Now striving to extend his knowledge and CV, the Rather than looking to bounce back through non- opponents and Liverpudlian is in the final year of his University degree league the then 18-year-old decided to enter the world Read all the latest and has already achieved Prozone Level 1, 2 and 3 maintaining his of academia by enrolling on a BSc (Hons) in Sport and news updates from LFE Stay up to date qualifications. shape in midfield. Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores University. with the LFE Studying has become an expensive business which is why While the course focuses on subject areas that include bloggers Ager turned to the PFA who have supported his tuition physiology, psychology and biomechanics, Ager was keen fees through the educational grant system. to embrace one particular opportunity that came his way, “We are always pleased to offer our help to current or Have your say namely the chance to work as a Performance Analysis Flick through the in our polls intern at the Club he supported as a boy, Everton ex members of the Association,” said PFA Director of back catalogue Football Club. Education, Pat Lally. of Touchline “I haven’t played football at any level since because I just “We tell any player past or present just pick up the phone want to concentrate on my University work and my role we will help you.” at Everton so I can put more energy into my long-term With Ager about to enrol on the LFE coordinated Level 4 career,” he explained to LFE. Performance Analysis in Sport course, that assistance may be required once again but Ager believes he is working towards a tangible new career. “Performance analysis has now been accepted as a must at professional football clubs at all age groups because Follow us on twitter at Check the Academy it is has been proven to make an impact on developing twitter.com/LFEonline and Youth Alliance players and on-pitch results. results “The demand for qualified Performance Analysts is growing and especially with the new Elite Player Performance Plans it could be a requirement, so I am really excited about my future working in this role,” he continued. With his University graduation little over 8 months away, Ager has been concentrating on his route into a full-time job as Performance Analyst and with job interviews lined up at two Premier League clubs the analysis of his future looks bright. 16 © 2011 League Football© 2011 Education www.lfe.org.uk Designed www.icgonline.co.uk by ICG Case Study George Bowyer
George Bowyer made his debut as a substitute for Rochdale as a first-year Apprentice in the final game of the 2007-08 season. Unfortunately injury robbed him of the “Non-League football is a totally different chance of adding to that tally in the play-offs scenario though to what you’re used to. In and of having more than a passing interest the first instance you notice that standards are when the team-sheet went up for the end below what you’ve aspired to before. There’s of season League Two showpiece, Rochdale a more laid back approach to things and you versus his home town club Stockport County train once or twice a week in the evenings at Wembley. after work. There’s an adjustment you have to Rochdale lost out in that game, and while make if you want to do well.” he didn’t know it at the time, so did Bowyer. In three seasons as a non league player His chance had gone. Bowyer has done well albeit at three different Despite being in and around Dale’s first-team clubs. At his first, Ramsbottom Utd he earned squad the following year he was destined the fans player of the season award before to never play another minute of League moving back down the M66 to Woodley. football. With Manager Keith Hill eager to His impressive form for the Steelmen soon build a promotion winning side the time for attracted the interest of Bamber Bridge and he blooding untried youngsters had passed and moved on to the QED stadium to become one Bowyer got the bullet at the end of the of three contracted players at Brig. 2008-09 season. Away from the pitch Bowyer has made huge Hill achieved the unthinkable dream 12 strides professionally after securing a full- months later leading Rochdale out of English time position working for The Professional football’s bottom tier for the first time in Footballers Association. Initially brought in 36 years. Meanwhile two years after his as temporary maternity cover to work on departure from Spotland, Bowyer, who is the organisations Kitbag contract he recently working as an Administrator and playing semi discovered that his role was to become professional football at Bamber Bridge could permanent and is understandably delighted. be forgiven for thinking about what might “The main area of my work has been dealing have been. with Kitbag and Nike orders, sourcing kits, Thankfully if only’s don’t feature in this boots, medals and trophies for players and midfielder cum right-back’s terminology. clubs. It was obviously different to what I was used to but I soon picked things up. “On leaving Rochdale there was a massive void but you just have to move on and do it “I’d been here 8 months when I was told quickly,” said Bowyer. that I was going to be offered a full-time post The Bowyers and I was ecstatic because it’s a great place “In my case that was working for Stockport’s to work. Football in the Community programme while playing local non-league football. “The people here are fantastic and I’ve already been asked to think about how I would like “You feel you have to carry on to develop professionally. Whether that’s playing after putting in all those Done Good doing a degree or other training I’m not really years of trying to become a sure yet but I know I will be looked after and professional. encouraged.”
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