Academy News
Contact details – David Currie (Academy Manager) on headyouthdev@guiseleyafc.co.uk or contact the club @ guiseley.football@hotmail.co.uk
The Football Academy scheme is operated through the Football Conference League and offers students aged 16-19 the opportunity to train and play football alongside studying for a nationally-recognized qualification.
Guiseley AFC’s Under-19 academy team will commence playing in the Conference Youth Alliance League and the FA Youth Cup in season 2012/13, with home games being played on a newly developed pitch with respect barrier and dug-outs on the Carr Manor HS site.
The players will be studying for a Btec Sport qualification, in addition to the 6-8 hours a week training and games on a Wednesday against the likes of FC Halifax, Boston Utd, Mansfield Town, Gateshead and Birmingham City. The partnership between the club and school uniquely offers the young people of Leeds the opportunity to play football at a high level while studying for University entry-level qualifications. Exciting times lie ahead for Guiseley AFC, Carr Manor HS and the participants.
Progress to date
Trials have been held at the school and the successful attenders, many of whom have been released by Football League clubs, have been individually interviewed. Ever mindful that the educational requirements of the applicants are as important to their long-term success as are their footballing skills, offers have been made to some 20 young men. With an ideal strength of about 25, places are becoming increasingly scarce but we are still willing to speak to potential applicants, especially goalkeepers, and anyone interested should contact the school or the club.
Sponsorship Potential
This is a unique opportunity to support a really worthwhile venture that will see the best young players in the West Yorkshire area play football at a very high level while continuing their education and, hopefully, gaining University entry qualifications.
The areas in which we are looking for your assistance are:-
Main Kit Sponsor – Your company name on the front of either the home or away shirts can provide great exposure and highlight the way in which your company is getting involved in this very worthwhile venture. We are also able to put company logos on the backs of shirts and shorts as a slightly lower-key option.
Player Sponsorship – This involves sponsoring an individual player and can vary in price dependent upon your requirement.
Dug-out sponsor – The dug-out will be semi-permanent and could provide great exposure for any company for the full season.
Other opportunities – In addition to the above we can tailor a sponsorship deal to suit your requirements for items such as training kit and match-day travelling kit and would welcome any offers of support to assist in meeting our fundraising goals to help us develop this new venture.
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