Professional footballers’ academy proving a success

South Elmsall lad John has already seen a number of players who have attended the Pro Player Football Academy go on to sign for professional clubs’ academies and the initial take up was so successful that increased coaching programmes are now on offer.

John is also pleased that the Pro Player Football Academy is to be the first users of new state of the art 3G pitches at Kettlethorpe High School, where the academy is now based.

The academy is hosting two free trial nights on Monday, February 16 and Wednesday, February 18 at Kettlethorpe High School.

Monday’s sessions are for under 8s 5-6pm, under 10s 6-7pm, under 12s 7-8pm and under 14s 8-9pm.

Wednesday’s sessions will be for under 9s 6-7pm, under 11s 7-8pm and under 13s 8-9pm.

To book a free trial email [email protected] or ring 07972 429468.

When the academy was launched last summer John explained that it would be independent and would provide professional coaching to talented players aged between seven and 16.

The invitation and trial-only academy aimed to bridge the gap between professional academies and grassroots was jointly set up by experienced professional players McCombe and McGurk, who between them boast some 600 Football League appearances.

“Since the academy opened in June 2014 we have seen massive improvements in all the players who attend the academy, with a number of them going on to sign for professional academies,” said John.

“We feel that this success has been achieved by the high standard of coaching the players receive at the academy combined with the regular games programme against professional academies, development squads and local junior teams.

“All of our coaches are highly qualified professional or ex-professional footballers so they understand what it takes to become a professional footballer and how important it is to have the right coaching, but more importantly they have the enthusiasm and personality required to deliver influential, innovative and inspiring coaching sessions.

“We have recently formed an exciting new partnership with Kettlethorpe High School that will provide us with a platform to implement our long term plans for the academy.

“The brand new, state of the art, 3G pitch offers a first class training facility that will give our academy players the best opportunity to become technically excellent footballers.”