Our Academy are looking for players released from Football League clubs at U-16 or U-17 and players currently excelling in non-league or elite college level football this season who wish to join the second professional football club in the city of Leeds.

Head of Youth Development and Academy Manager Dave Currie said: “With the club (first team) turning professional and other developments taking place at a rapid pace it is essential that the Academy continues to strive to be the best we can be.”

“Many of the players we currently have will have been released by Football League clubs on the final selection.”

“This can be very hard for a kid to take but by no means is it the end; in some cases it is a toss of the coin or because the released player lacks one aspect such as physique, fitness or confidence.”

“We have a saying that we use regularly at the Academy, ‘Football is all about proving people wrong.’ Players can accept the decision of one or two people or they roll up their sleeves and show people that they were wrong.”

“Released players can have a hunger to succeed that those retained don’t have and at Guiseley AFC we feel that we have proven we can, and will continue to, nurture that hunger to create better players than those kids retained at Football League clubs.”

“In addition to this we have players who have been excellent in their first season of college football and/or other non-league clubs and want to progress and test themselves at a higher level; we hope such players consider Guiseley AFC as their next move.”

Currie continued: “Our main aims in the Youth team (U-18s) are to firstly develop players as individuals and secondly be able to compete with Football League clubs. This season, I feel, that we have proved in friendlies and competitive games that we can match clubs at that level and, in turn, players have progressed well, with players being involved with the first team and one recently been offered a contract at League One club.”

“Former Academy players like Ben Whitfield (AFC Bournemouth) and Jacob Brown (Barnsley FC) along with a few others have without a doubt proved people wrong and long may that continue.”

“Suitable players will be invited to trial and will subsequently be offered a scholarship in our Elite Scholarship Programme. As a scholar you will train on a daily basis and play in the National Youth Alliance League and the FA Youth Cup. Players will have access to a fully qualified physio and work strength and conditioning coaches.”

“Alongside training and games the players will study a Btec Sport Level 3 course (3 A level equivalent) and given the opportunity to take coaching and first-aid qualifications. They also have the option of studying A levels.”

“Succeeding in education is a something that is deemed as an essential part of the Academy programme as it allows players to have the option of going to University in the UK, getting scholarships in the US and remaining in football in some capacity beyond playing professionally.”

Players are invited to apply to the Academy Manager via e-mail at dave.currie@guiseleyafc.co.uk