DORCHESTER Town have announced exciting new plans for a unique football academy.

Partnered with official education providers, SCL Education Group, the Magpies will deliver a full-time education and football development programme like no other locally.

The two-year programme provides 16 to 18 year olds from across Dorset with a unique opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications in sport, whilst enjoying an excellent full-time football training programme, delivered by experienced coaches.

All educational aspects are fully managed by SCL – a leading independent provider of education through sport with a track record of over 15 years’ experience in engaging, educating and developing young people.

SCL currently work with over 50 professional and non-League clubs and community trusts.

Dorchester chairman Matt Lucas said: “We as a club have been looking into the possibility of providing a full-time education course for a while, so we are really pleased to go ahead with the academy this coming September.

“What excites me personally is providing a base for bringing in talented youngsters to Dorchester, giving local players the opportunity to hopefully progress further in the game, and to give a clear pathway to bring players through to our first team and beyond.”

Starting from September 2019, learners at the Magpies will benefit from a fantastic sporting setup as they experience a professional sporting environment and daily football training, alongside expert advice and guidance on nutrition and individual football fitness, plus potential work-based experience opportunities in stadium management and events co-ordination.

Students will have access to the fantastic facilities at the Clayson Stadium, including the new state-of-the-art 3G pitch, creating close links with the first team while offering a clear route from Dorchester Town Youth to the Academy and into the senior squad.

The football aspect of the programme will be delivered by DTFC, where students will benefit from experienced coaches led by Mark Robinson, along with close links to the first team squad training.

This will be coupled with a support network from SCL consisting of specialist tutors, curriculum managers, quality assessors and operations support to ensure students receive a good quality education experience.

First-team manager, Callum Brooks, said: “Having been involved in programmes similar to this before I am aware of the hugely positive impact they can have on a young person’s life.

“I find the fact that our development programme coincides with the start of my first full season as first team manager hugely exciting.

“Having a clear pathway from youth football right up to the first team is a key feature of any well organised club and this ensures that we are offering our local youngsters the best opportunities, right on their doorstep.”

“There are several ways to recruit players, but I have yet to see one more satisfying than developing your own.

“The vision of a player who has come all the way through the pathway, pulling on a first team shirt in front of our supporters is one we can all identify with and one which fills any football fan with joy.

“This programme will help make that a reality. I look forward to building strong links between the development programme and the first team, and helping young people enhance their lives.”

Dorchester Town Football Club Academy has applied to compete in the Conference National Youth Alliance U19 League, where the Magpies will play against top non-League sides across southern England, plus the FA Youth Cup.

Upon completion of the programme, learners will have the opportunity to progress onto fantastic exit routes, including professional or semi-professional football, further education, scholarships abroad, training or employment.

SCL head of education and training, Lawrence Blair, said: “SCL are excited to partner with Dorchester and launch a sports education and development programme.

“This programme will give opportunities to young people in the local area who are interested in taking their first step towards a career in sport.

“They will be able to study a level three qualification in sport whilst allowing them to continue to focus on their football development.”

n If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, or know someone who would like to apply, please contact Mark Robinson by email office@dorchestertownfc.co.uk or call 01305 267623, contact SCL by email on register@wearescl.co.uk or call 0345 644 5747.