Academy manager Steve Reece reports on a good news week
Academy manager Steve Reece reports on a good news week
In August I reported on the Elite Player Performance Plan, an initiative launched following a meeting of the 72 member clubs of the Football League in 2011.
Following our audit last October that consisted of members of staff being interviewed and processes observed over a period of four days, I was invited to the Premier League offices in London last week to learn of the results of our application.
I am delighted to announce that after 18 months of hard work and preparation we have been awarded Category 3 Academy status.
This excellent news means that the academy has met all of the criteria required to operate to the latest rules and recommendations from the Football League and other governing bodies.
The 10 key indicators for Academies, by which we were evaluated and assessed are: Vision and strategy of the football club, leadership and management of the football club and its academy, the coaching and player development programme, education, schoolboy games programme, athletic development programme, player development programme, talent identification, recruitment and registration, Academy facilities, and corporate and financial stability.
The EPPP has made a significant difference to the way that we operate and report within our academies and the result of the audit means that the name of Shrewsbury Town Football Club is now recognised as a club that is serious with its commitment and investment in the development of young home grown players.
Academy Players Offered Scholarships
There's been more good news for the academy this week as seen four of our current home grown players have been offered two year scholarships.
Striker Ethan Jones, who is from Wolverhampton, full back Nathan Millis from Telford, midfielder Joe Kenton, also from Wolverhampton, and Shrewsbury-based goalkeeper Harry Lewis will attend an induction day at the end of May prior to commencing the first year of their scholarships in July following the end of their school education.
Staff Appointments
I am pleased to welcome Callum McKenzie and Andy Pellow as the latest full time members of the academy staff. Callum has the role of lead youth development phase coach and is responsible for the technical, tactical awareness and social development of players aged 12 to 16 years old,.
Andy takes on the responsibility of head of sports science and medicine. His role is to create and oversee the physical fitness and conditioning programme for all players aged nine to 18 years.
They join Matt Rains who is now the lead foundation phase coach and is responsible for the technical and social development of players aged between eight and 11.
Bernard McNally and I are responsible for preparing the full time scholars for the professional level.
Steve Reece.