Attend Sky Blues in the Community's open trials next month if you're interested in the upcoming football education academy programme
Sky Blues in the Community and Henley College will be holding an open day and trial games on Thursday 24th and Monday 28th April, for those interested in signing up for the football education academy programme from September 2014.
The education academy scheme is open to students aged 16-19 that wish to study a full-time BTEC sports course, whilst also benefitting from eight hours of football coaching and games each week representing Coventry City.
The education academy partnership kicked off in September 2013, with 24 students signing up to the programme studying a range of BTEC sport courses, whilst also playing for Coventry City in a national league that sees professional clubs from across the country taking part.
The academy has proved to be very successful in academic terms, with 95% of students on the programme set to complete the full academic year. Attendance at lectures has also been impressive, with a 94% attendance rate for all classroom lessons amongst the football academy students.
A number of the players from the course have also worked with Sky Blues in the Community, volunteering on some of the charity’s primary school activities, including healthy schools initiatives and sports coaching sessions.
On the pitch, the team have enjoyed a successful first campaign in the PL/ FL Midlands and South West Development League, which includes the likes of Birmingham City, Swindon Town, Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town. The Sky Blues currently sit in third place with three games left to play.
Next year will see the Sky Blues look to enter two teams into the league, increasing the size of the academy programme and the number of students enrolled. The community scheme will also be running an under 18 team in the Junior Premier League on Saturday mornings, providing more opportunities to play for the Sky Blues.
The open trial days offer students the opportunity to find out more about the educational element of the academy, as well as a chance to showcase their skills in a bid to secure a place in the squad for the 2014-15 academic year.
The event on Thursday 24th takes place from 10am to 2pm, with an alternative session for those that can’t make it on Monday 28th from 3pm – 5pm. Both events will take place at Henley College in Coventry, and you can book your places by contacting Maureen Birks at Henley College (024 7662 6374), or Guy Rippon on 024 7678 6371.