Exciting soccer opportunities (From Barry And District News)

Exciting soccer opportunities

NEW recruits are being targeted for a Vale of Glamorgan-based football development initiative.

Started last season by the Vale Council's Football Development Unit, in conjunction with Barry College, the Under 19 Football Education Development Scheme provides an exciting academic and sporting opportunity for both students and players.

Based at Barry College, the scheme shows the partners' continued commitment to the development of young football players in the Vale.

To qualify for the 2005/06 season, players must be aged between 16 and 19 and undertake a full or part time course at the college.

During the 2004/2005 season, the scheme has established strong links with a number of academic and sporting institutions, which can offer players opportunities such as:

* Academic opportunities to study a Science and Football Degree

* Four-year academic scholarship opportunities with First Point, USA

* Professional playing opportunities

* Additional playing opportunities into appropriate professional or semi-professional clubs

* Summer employment in the USA with UK Elite

* Yearly coaching opportunities with the Vale's Football Development Unit

* Continuous fitness testing and conditioning

* Coaching by a UEFA'A' Licence holder

The Football Education Development Scheme side will also play in the Welsh or British Colleges League as well as enjoying regular fixtures against professional clubs' Under 18 youth teams.

For further details and application form, please contact Vale football development officer Ryland Morgans on 07970 593196.