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Issue 5 - March 07 touchline News from League Football Education

News p2 Coach Focus p6 & 7 Progression 08 p8 & 9 Apprentice profiles p5 & 12 Club Focus p14

Progression 2008 Be part of it! Progression 2008, the first careers event exclusively for elite sports people opens its doors at the City of Manchester on March 27th. See Page 8.

LFE is a partnership LFE Technical between The Football Partner League and The Professional Footballers’ Association. Congratulations go settled in superbly and is highly Apprentice regarded by both his peers and to John Dunleavy the staff at the Club. of The of Wolverhampton A regular member of the Wanderers as the Republic of Ireland U17 team, Month he recently captained the January Apprentice international squad in the of the Month European U17 qualifying tournament, and has also been John has captained the nominated for the ‘Republic of Wanderers U18 side and is a Ireland U17 Player of the Year’. regular in the Reserve team despite being only 16 years old. John has displayed an excellent attitude and enthusiasm towards news Having successfully made the all aspects of the Apprenticeship transition from Ireland to life which is reflected in his College in the Black Country, John has work and around the Club. FA Youth Cup John being presented the award by Mick McCarthy Quarter finals Top Valiants blown who helped himself to a hat-trick a different proposition. The as the Londoners took the spoils visitors boasted Youth away by Gael force with a 5 – 2 win in front of a 3,628 International and regular Marks while City cruise crowd at . Premiership performer Daniel Congratulations go to Sturridge in their ranks and past Pilgrims ran out 4 –1 winners despite an the five Clubs (Burnley, Derby County, Norwich As the premier competition in evenly contested opening to youth football reaches its final the game. City, Shrewsbury Town stages eight clubs battled it out in In the final game of the Quarter and Sunderland) already a high scoring and entertaining Finals, Charlton Athletic faced sitting on a full house Quarter final round. Sunderland at the Valley in front of completed NVQ’s. Utd conquerors of of another large crowd. After Sixty Apprentices across It’s your Manchester Utd and Sheffield a goaless first half, it was the ten Clubs in total have Wednesday in previous rounds, visitors that broke the deadlock already completed and Newsletter finally came unstuck against when Martyn Waghorn thumped home in the 55th minute. signed off the NVQ Got a story? Want to a strong Aston Villa side. With Logbook in anticipation manager Martin O’Neill flying However the home side rallied share news with other and following some good work Trio hit the big time back from a warm weather It’s the end of a dream for the of completing the two- by right-back Chris Solly, Rashid LFE partners? training camp to watch his Vale youngsters as Chelsea year Apprenticeship Yussuff drilled home an equaliser. It’s onwards and move to the big time to after young charges defeat the progress to the semi-finals. this summer. upwards for three and joined established the Toffees agreed a This is your newsletter Cumbrians 2 – 0 at . It remained all square until deep into injury time when the Black ASE Apprentices who Clubs. deal with Plymouth and we welcome any Meanwhile over 2,000 expectant A great deal of work Port Vale faced giants Cats snatched victory courtesy were the subject of big Argyle in early January. contributions from all fans turned out at Home Park, goes into the NVQ Chris Gunter was sold Chelsea as a reward for their of a spectacular 25 yard Jordan Apprentices, coaches, clubs, hoping Mike Pejic’s young money moves during the Promising 17 year-old, defeat of Tottenham Hotspur in Henderson lob. and LFE will continue to Tottenham Hotspur Pilgrims could continue the . Dan Ben Tozer, left Swindon parents and partners. If you the last round but the Valiants to work with Clubs, after a successful run good form that has seen them Gosling of Plymouth for Newcastle United in a have a story, email shorn of influential midfielder Semi Final Draw Apprentices, Assessors at Cardiff where he knock out three Premier League Argyle, Chris Gunter four-and-a-half year deal [email protected] Simon Richman and defender Sunderland v Man City notched up 3 full Wales Academy teams already. and Verifiers to ensure of Cardiff City and for an undisclosed fee. Adam Copeland were blown caps. Defender Dan Manchester City however were Chelsea v Aston Villa many more NVQ’s are Ben Tozer of Swindon away by Chelsea’s Gael Kakuta Gosling made the move completed over the Town have all made the 2 coming months. 3 Apprentice Profile PFA Coaching

Jamie Robinson RYAN The Way PFA Regional Coach Midlands BENNETT Ahead Now in his second year at Town Ryan Bennett has made huge strides forward during his time with the Mariners.

Arriving as a sixteen the opening day of the been a credit to himself “He has I have had to come year old on his release season, scoring with a and the club during his in to the education by Ipswich Town in the header from 6 yards in time at Grimsby, his displayed department more in my summer of 2006, Ryan a 1-1 draw with Notts success on the pitch own time and it’s great quickly established County at . has been mirrored off maturity because the coaching himself as one to watch A string of consistent it. He has displayed staff and people in the youth and reserve performances have maturity beyond his beyond his teams last season. followed and Bennett years and looks set for like Oliver Cowling already using their L2 years and (Head of Education) The PFA are keen to provide pathways for Apprentices who foresee Coaching asCoaching a viable Certificate career has made a further a promising career and As a department we are His impressive displays are supportive and path. Many Apprentices pass the Level 2 Coaching Certificate as relatively inexperiencedby taking Academy twenty plus league I for one wish him every looks set for keen to educate these caught the attention always available to the completion of the Level teams alongside appearances for success in the future” coaches and tend to underestimate themselves as the next generationyoung players to ofuse teacherstheir of the game. of and a promising help me. I find the 2 Coaching Certificate. The their professional Grimsby Town this The majority of Football maturity and experience in his staff and he was Head of Youth Neil ability to plan, organise, playing careers. season and gained education programme clubs have Football in the the world of coaching. rewarded with a Woods who has career” deliver and evaluate a national acclaim at the of great benefit Community programmes With the continued two-year professional monitored his protégé session underpins the Gary Challinor and recent Football League Paul Bartlett-LFE because I can apply it and an Academy or Centre support of the PFA contract on his 17th progress keenly principles of teaching and Matt Goodwin, who Awards ceremony to everyday situations. of Excellence where the and LFE, the majority Birthday last March. commented “Ryan has The last word comes learning. A prospective both featured in the last where he was named opportunities for a young, of clubs are now impressed everyone from Bennett himself A good example employer or a university edition of Touchline, have Since making his debut as the League Two knowledgeable and qualified recognising that the at the club with his would be when we admissions board will not applied to enrol on the in a 2-1 away victory at Apprentice of The Year. who for now appears coach are numerous. Level 2 Coaching ability to maintain a studied injuries I now Jamie Robinson underestimate these skills. PFA Level 3 Coaching MK dons last April the just happy to be a Colleges of Further Certificate provides The Apprentice level headed approach understand more about Certificate in May. They centre half / right back Mariner “I have enjoyed The PFA is an organisation a core of planning, Awards reflect not to everything, despite Some 18 year olds Education, Council led have recognised that has gone from strength my time at Grimsby what is happening to Sports Development teams that is always trying to teaching and delivery only excellence on the the fact that he has set have been with clubs vocational qualifications to strength and he was my body when I take a and private companies all equip its membership for skills. These transferable pitch but also academic himself and performed because I am now since the age of 9 and in combination with awarded the number knock or whatever. Any now require more qualified life after a playing career. skills will enhance aptitude and hard to very high standards. part of the first team have been involved an academic degree 5 shirt at the start of accolades that I receive coaches than ever before. The only guarantee when a young players work and it was just He has been able to and that is what every with some of the most programme will supply this season. are great and are a beginning life as a young self-confidence and reward that his efforts maintain a fantastic player hopes to achieve. highly qualified coaches Apprentices who continue the comprehensive set professional footballer is understanding When I was first called reflection of my own modern professional sport to enjoy a career as a of skills necessary for the A calm and composed were recognised by approach to his you cannot play for ever of the game and hard work and that of possesses. In order to professional player or who workplace. defender Bennett an expert panel of education and through up I was up for the and one day you will help them fufil their the staff around me.” fulfil their potential they join another profession opened his account judges so says LFE’s his everyday life as a challenge and as I have need a new set of skills to Rene Gilmartin, 20, at potential both on need to be successfully have all gained some for the Mariners on Paul Bartlett “Ryan has footballer” played more and more embark on another career. Walsall and Andy Gooding, and off the pitch. mentored and trained transferable skills through to the next level. 21, at Coventry City are 4 5 20 years at the helm for Rimmers’ Graduates Jason Koumas left to join WBA Ged Brannan left to join for £2.25million Manchester City for £750,000 Rovers Rimmer (Now Wigan Athletic) John Mcgreal left to join Ipswich This season 114 appearances and 4 years to Alan Mahon, Steve transfer in the summer Of course Tranmere’s It’s always Alan Rogers left to join Town for £650,000. later and Warwick was off Simonsen, Jason Koumas of 2000, echoes these operation grew and within good to see Nottingham Forest for £2million left to join Leicester marked Warwick to West Africa to face a new and Ryan Taylor. sentiments: “Warwick was several years they had former players (Retired) City for £500,000 Rimmers’ 20th challenge as national team fantastic to me during my expanded to be able to run doing well. But more than the material Ryan Taylor left to join Wigan coach for Sierra Leone. During time at Park. He was teams at every level from The first thing Kenny Irons left to join year in charge benefits, Rimmer and his Athletic for £1.25million Rimmers’ tenure, the Leone instrumental in me signing for under 9s to under 16s. I look at in the Huddersfield Town for £500,000 of the youth department have earned Stars narrowly missed out on a reservoir of respect, the club and when I arrived he The first crop of Rimmer’s Sunday papers Steve Simonsen left to join Sean Thornton left to join development the 1982 World Cup Finals admiration and goodwill for made sure I settled well in a graduates were harnessed is to see which Everton for £1million (Now Sunderland - fee undisclosed held in Spain, defeated in Tranmere across all levels of very new environment which by first-team manager of the lads who Stoke City) (Now Leyton Orient) department at the final play off match by helped me produce my best the game. Former England John King and became have left here Ian Moore left to join Joe Murphy left to join WBA Tranmere Rovers. the odd goal to an Algeria on the pitch” Skipper Jimmy Armfield is increasingly influential in have played on Nottingham Forest fee undisclosed (Now team that would go on to not surprised by Rimmer’s driving Tranmere’s progress, the Saturday and for £1million Scunthorpe Utd) shock West Germany at the success: “Warwick was an “It has been via two promotions and done well (Now Tranmere Rovers) tournament. excellent pro and my choice no surprise to five Wembley visits, to the or scored” From there, Rimmer moved as a club captain when I me that he has division now known as When Rimmer back home to managed Bolton. He was the the Championship by the reaches for his and initially started work as mainstay of my team leading enjoyed such early 1990s. Sunday papers it’s Tranmere Rovers’ commercial by example and directing our success with As the years have gone by a testimony to his manager replacing the young players both on and Rimmer’s role has changed work that the list outgoing Ray Stubbs. off the pitch. He seemed Tranmere” immensely, today he of former players Soon after, Peter Johnson, well suited to a pastoral Jimmy Arnfield - orchestrates the work of runs deep but he Tranmere’s multi-millionaire role even back then so it Former England Skipper dozens of coaches, scouts is also pleased that owner, approached Rimmer, has been no surprise to me the advancement of Birkenhead Born and bred, and voluntary helpers and charged him with the task that he has enjoyed such Rimmer himself would admit the ASE programme Warwick found fame as a however it’s no surprise to of establishing a success with Tranmere”. that there were a number prepares those who player with Bolton Wanderers learn that he still feels at his Other at . , the Wales of difficulties in the early happiest out on the training don’t make it. where he came through years: “In terms of building graduates New in this role Rimmer under-21 boss says simply: pitch: “I think I’m at my best “One thing about this the ranks and gained a the structure, we had to used his experiences from “Warwick’s record is when I’m out on the training programme is that it from reputation as a footballing work it out as we went his Bolton days and quickly incredible.” Flynn believes park talking to the boys allows us as a club far Tranmere’s but tough tackling half back. along and the first job was established a blueprint for Rimmer owes his success to about the game. You have more involvement on Installed as captain in the late to recruit a few boys, South Youth System youth development that has an old-fashioned, paternal an open canvas to talk the education side of 60’s, he suffered the heartache Liverpool had just lost their made a lasting contribution to style. He said: “Warwick is a and teach them and help things. The Apprentices Clint Hill Paul Linwood of two relegations before he YTS programme and we were the Wirral club. Players were member of the old school them progress” all undertake the same (Tranmere Rovers) (Crystal Palace) (Chester City) led the Trotters to the Third lucky to recruit Tony Craig Curran Richard Hinds Alan Mahon produced that were ready for of youth development framework and we take Division Championship in 1973. Thomas from that group. So what’s been the worst (Tranmere Rovers) (Sheffield Weds) (Burnley) the first team and graduates officers. Every boy who ownership of that. It helps All in all, Rimmer amassed 528 Back then, youth team part of his Job, “Well telling Chris Dagnall Mike Howard Kevin McIntyre of Tranmere’s successful youth comes under his wing sees us enourmously to ensure appearances and scored training was held on Tuesday boys that they’re not going (Rochdale) () (Shrewsbury Town) programme that have been him as an uncle – the best all our Apprentices leave 17 goals for Wanderers and Thursday nights and we to get that next contract is Steve Davies Steve Jennings Phillip Palethorpe moved on to wealthier clubs uncle they ever had.” the programme in a before he left to join had people like Chris Malkin, just about the hardest thing (Tranmere (Tranmere Rovers) (Chester City) have included the likes of better position than in Crewe Alexandra, where Former charge Alan Mahon who worked in a bank, in my job, it’s something I’ve Rovers) Gary Jones Ian Sharps John Mcgreal, Kenny Irons previous years” he would later become who left Tranmere to join training with us” not got any better at down Danny Harrison (Grimsby Town) (Rotherham Utd) Player Manager. and Alan Rogers through Sporting Lisbon on a free the years but on the flip side (Rotherham Ian Joy Utd) (Real Salt Lake) 6 7 Progression 08

Progress and find new goals with LFE in 2008 The first careers event of Sport, The Professional Rugby for retirement; choosing to stay in and through my involvement with Association, The General Federation sport or take a completely different The PFA, I know firsthand how exclusively for elite sports of Trade Unions and The Education direction, we want to make sure they important it is to have alternative people takes place this Sports Forum. have a viable ongoing path to work.” career options. The employment and training opportunities that month when Progression LFE Chief Executive, Alan Sykes, The day will be attended by Progression ’08 offers are an 2008 opens its doors at says: “The sporting world produces exhibitors including representatives important resource for athletes James Hickman hundreds of exceptionally from the IT, armed forces, health, the City of Manchester at any stage in their career and disciplined, dedicated and talented construction, engineering, financial I’m pleased to endorse such an Stadium on March 27th young people each year who do not services and retail industries, as well important initiative. City of Manchester Stadium as part ofCity a of Manchesterstrategy Stadium to continue to compete as professional as universities, further education support, re-train and athletes but who have a huge colleges and business advisors. It Be part of it - visit provide alternative career amount of valuable skills to offer in will also provide information to those www.Progression08.com sport and in other industries. athletes who want to access help and for more information and to register and study opportunities to support to run their own businesses. “Our aim is to ensure these athletes Tracey Neville sporting apprentices and find other ways to use their talents Sports stars from past and present those retiring from sport. and abilities by introducing them to such as Barry Mcguigan, David new training and career paths. Bentley, Jason Wilcox, Tracey Hosted by League Football Education Neville, Kevin Sinfield and James in association with the PFA (Professional “We want to prepare athletes Hickman fully endorse the Footballer’s Association) and The for careers outside or alongside Progression 08 initiative. Football League, the event is endorsed sport to make sure they never lose by other sports and working bodies the skills they’ve worked hard to Chris Powell, Chairman of the PFA including the likes of The Professional achieve. Whether they’re starting and former England defender, Chris Powell Boxing Association, The English Institute out as apprentices or are heading said: “As a Professional footballer

Supported by Powered by Kevin Sinfield City of Manchester Stadium City of Manchester Stadium David Bentley

8 9

City of Manchester Stadium

in association with Development Fund

Development Fund The LFE Development Fund was set up Brighton Hove Albion, to provide Clubs with an opportunity to Hartlepool Utd and invest in the delivery and support of the Tranmere Rovers used the ASE programme. Last year, clubs were able funds to partake in team to claim a maximum of £3000 each and 67 building activities. of the 68 clubs engaging with LFE utilised this fund. In total £182,000 was invested through these clubs into the ASE scheme.

Clubs used the funds for a and investments were year funding has changed that you maximise your variety of purposes. Whilst made in such things as slightly and Clubs entitled funding and add value to all clubs are different and team building activities and to £500 for every your ASE programme. so are their needs, five main psychology consultants. framework achievement areas attracted investment. they managed in 2007. If you need any further 1. Cameras and Video Overall, we think that Apart from this everything help or advice on the Cameras clubs were glad of the else remains the same Development Fund or 2. IT equipment funds and used them in as last year. have any ideas on how the 3. Heart rate monitors ways which improved the scheme could be developed 4. Smart boards ASE experience. To date, only a small in future years please do 5. Basic training equipment number of clubs have not hesitate to contact Alan The good news is that the made use of the fund this Sykes on 0870 4589250 or Additionally some clubs Development Fund is again season. Act now to ensure email [email protected] broke the general patterns available in 2008. This 10 11 Apprentice Profile LFE Staff Profile

Lee Hills joined Crystal Lee Hills Palace as an Apprentice in the summer of 2006 Meet is soaring and has risen through the ranks to feature for Craig Skinner with the the Eagles in this season’s Eagles championship campaign. Regional Officer Craig fires past Neville As Regional Officer for the North Southall to register his first The energetic left back made his Obviously playing in the first senior goal for Blackburn league debut against Watford team has been a dream come West, Craig is responsible for nine in October 2007 and in January true and I’m really pleased to penned a two and a half year be at Palace. The club have got Football League clubs including professional contract with the a good record for bringing home South London club. Having been grown players through and it’s former club . on the books of both Wimbledon been my ambition to play in the and Arsenal as a school boy, he first team since I arrived here. Craig started Craig cites Wrexham’s fantastic joined Palace as an Apprentice Hopefully both myself and the his career at FA Cup adventure during the and his decision to settle at club can progress because I hope 1996-97 season as his personal highlight from his time with the Selhurst Park now appears to be one day to be playing for Palace Blackburn Rovers Red Dragons “We came very greets reaping dividends. in the Premiership and testing and savoured close to promotion for two or Craig and fellow new myself against the best players promotion to the three years on the spin but the A nominee for the The Football in the game” Premier League FA Cup run we had that year signing Keith Hill on League’s 2008 Championship was unbelievable. We knocked their arrival at Plymouth Apprentice of the Year, Hills Palace Coach believes with them before West Ham out away from home has translated his success on that Hills attitude is key to going on to in the fourth round and then the pitch to the classroom and his success, “Lee’s outlook to enjoy spells at went to Birmingham and won at Craig enjoys his daily interaction with Clubs is well on his way to achieving learning is first class. He is always St Andrews but we just fell short and Apprentices and is a keen believer a full ASE framework. Having looking to improve himself as an Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham in the quarter final and lost one nil that the Apprenticeship programme is an away at Chesterfield when a semi-final against already completed his Level 2 individual and within the team and York City. important step for players to continue lifelong Middlesbrough at beckoned.” learning and enhance both their football Certificate in Coaching and his framework. As a body of staff, ‘Skins’ played alongside the likes of future or secondary careers. NVQ he is currently working at we cannot give him enough Premier League Winners Jason Wilcox and David “The Apprenticeship Merit/Distinction level on his information and it was fantastic May during his spell at Ewood, but following programme is an important Away from his work, he is an avid Manchester BTEC qualification and recognises to see him rewarded with a new the arrival of and a glut of new United fan and season ticket holder. He cites two famous number 7’s as his favourite players the value of his all round contract in January” signings, he found his first team opportunities step for players to continue limited and moved to Plymouth Argyle in the past and present, Captain Marvel for United and Apprenticeship programme, lifelong learning and LFE’s Keith Waldon is also full of summer of 1992. England, and current PFA Player “The ASE Programme has praise for the youngster; “Lee enhance both their football or & Young Player of the Year . helped me improve my technical A three year tenure with the Pilgrims allowed As a winger, Craig fully appreciates Ronaldo’s is always ahead of the game. secondary careers.” knowledge of the game and Craig the time to kick start his career and talents and believes the Portugal star will go He does not wait to be told - he in the summer of 1995 Wrexham paid my understanding of players A deadline day signing for York City in 1999, on to become one of the all time greats of the asks. His attitude will ensure that £50,000 to secure the services of the around me. Through my coaching “Lee’s outlook Craig endured a torrid time at Bootham game. Craig also enjoys live music, spending whatever in life Lee does, he will hard working winger. He enjoyed a four- Crescent snapping his cruciate ligament and time with his family and holidaying in both Italy qualification I have fostered skills do it to the best of his ability. year stint at the ; it was while injured that he started to explore and France. that I can put in to practice out to learning is Wrexham supporters have fond memories I wish him every success in his his options for the future by enrolling on a BSc on the pitch while continuing to of his Maradona-esque goal scored at Turf (Hons) in Sports, Coaching & Exercise Science The Final Word chosen profession of football.” learn about the game first class” Moor c.1996 and his contribution to a through The PFA. He subsequently hung Craig has one last piece of advice for all the side that were regularly challenging for up his boots and secured employment Apprentices, “Enjoy your time at your club, promotion to the Championship. with FFE & VTS Ltd via links made on the always work hard and try to make the most of degree course. the opportunities you’re given.” 12 13 Club Focus

Gills youngsters flying high For the second year now riding high in the their talent even further at Gillingham are very “We’re very happy with running it looks like Youth Alliance South East by taking them into the supportive and involved in the education provision Gillingham will achieve Conference League, the professional game.” the whole process.” from LAW Training, they a 100% full framework boys have been rewarded help us to produce great log on today at for their success. The Club recently The Gills ASE programme results from the lads which completion on the upgraded their facilities is going from strength is good for us, good for Apprenticeship in Sporting Gills boss, ex-Newcastle improving the overall to strength and credit LAW and good for LFE. Excellence programme. and Pompey defender, environment, which their must also be paid to On the education side Mark Stimson said: young stars utilise on a LAW Training who work we hope to achieve a full In addition the club has daily basis. LFE’s Keith in partnership with the house again this year and already offered five “They have all done well www.lfe.org.uk Waldon believes that the Football Club to deliver it’s great testimony to the current second year this season and from Apprentices at Gillingham the education programme. work that we’re doing that Apprentices professional watching them in training are given the perfect LAW Training’s Director, five of the current second contracts for next term and watching their games surroundings and support Lawrence Langdon years will be Professionals What we feature going to show that success I could see that these boys to achieve both on and off oversees this area and with the club next season.” The Latest Apprentice News • Apprentice Blogs • The LFE Shop on the pitch goes hand have what it takes to make the park: along with Youth Coach in hand with academic the step up.” Mark Patterson ensures Apprentice Success Stories • Apprentice Well Being • Feedback Reports “As a Football Club achievement. “Their success is further that all the Apprentices Gillingham understand remain focussed with their Exit and Progression Information • Information about the ASE Programme Chris Kiely, Rory Hill, proof of Gillingham’s how the ASE BTEC, Key Skills and NVQ. Online Questionnaires • Progression 08 • Prize Draws • On-line Polls Danny Walder, Tayler flourishing youth system programme facilitates Thomas and Tom Wynter which is consistently their coaching scheme Gillingham’s Youth Team bringing through players have all made a positive to boost the chances of Coach, Mark Patterson Coming Soon The Virtual Learning Environment • Staff Download pages impression throughout the with excellent ability. Scott a professional career for agrees the support they season, and with the team and I now want to nurture every apprentice. The staff receive is invaluable

14 courtesy of Angela Brinkhurst. Pictures 15