The Trust are pleased to report that six youngsters from the Chesterfield FC Emerging Talent Centre have, this month, signed for the Chesterfield FC academy.
Elliott Flowers (Academy Foundation Phase Lead) comments on the players that have progressed:
“The ETC has been a great addition to the club so far, it has given us as an academy the opportunity to look at numerous players that we may not have seen previously. It has also given us the opportunity to put players with raw ability in to a training programme that will develop them and hopefully enable them to progress.
I myself have started working on the ETC programme and have been really impressed with what I have seen from the team there. The coaching is of a very good standard, the organisation has been very good and the facility is exactly what the player’s need.”
Foundation Phase Players that have progressed to the academy include:
Alex Burton
Alex has impressed since trailing and joining the academy recently. The ability that Alex came in with was fantastic and you could see the level of coaching that he had received previously. The Emerging Talent Centre has been a great asset to the club, and the pathway has been excellent on bringing young talent through to the Academy. Alex is one of the first from the ETC, and I am sure there will be many more players given the opportunity in the future.
Bailey Smedley
Bailey has returned to Chesterfield for the second time, and it is evident to see his improvements. Since re-joining Bailey has showcased good technical ability and skill. His willingness to learn is admirable, and we look forward to him developing and progressing through our Academy. Although Bailey isn’t a ‘product’ of the ETC programme, without their open trials he may not have had the opportunity to showcase his talents to us again.’
Darren Molloy (Academy YDP Phase Lead) on the ETC and the players progressing:
“It’s been a real benefit to have the ETC up and running and doing things the right way. We have seen players developed and moved forwards, with the players given the opportunity to train with the clubs academy when Steve and the ETC staff feel they are ready. The ETC has helped bring players through in a variety of ways. Through open trials, fixtures against the academy, grassroots partners and their Spireites Soccer Schools!
The original open trial in June was fantastic with plenty of academy presence, and the full time staff helping wherever they could. By having the academy staff there we were able to bring some players directly in to the academy for a trial over preseason. The YDP have signed four players so far from the ETC. Some of the players came straight from the open trial and others have been given their chance on the recommendation of Steve and his coaches.”
YDP Phase Players that have progressed to the academy include:
Will O’Keefe
Mitchell Clogg
Jack Cully
Jack Walker
Overall, the players who have come in have added plenty and the hope is they kick on as part of the academy programme. It’s clear to see that so far the ETC has benefited us as an academy and we hope this continues.’
Stephen Hancock (ETC Manager) on the ETC and players making the step up:
‘I am delighted for the boys, they have been given an opportunity and have grabbed it with both hands. I really hope we now see the boys kick on. I believe that these progressions show that the ETC is working and the work the coaches are doing is benefiting the players in the programme every week.
When I first took the ETC role on, the aim was to ensure that the ETC was a genuine recruitment tool for the football club and its academy. These progressions start to show that it is. It’s great to see 6 players progress, we also have a further 4 players across the age groups that are currently on an academy trial, so we are hopeful this number will grow.
The players have joined the ETC through a number of different sources, which again shows the strength of the programme with the links that the Community Trust have established.
Mitch and Jack Walker were both picked up from the open trials. Mitch going directly in to the academy, whilst Jack spent 3 months with the ETC programme. Will, Jack Cully and Bailey were players that members of the clubs staff invited to the open trials.
Alex Burton- He has never played grassroots football! His only footballing experience has been with our Soccer Schools and Saturday morning club! Every player will have a different path, but all of them have the same aim. They want to learn, develop and progress. At the ETC we look to give the players the opportunities to do this.
I’d like to wish all of the boys the best of look in the next step of their journey with the football club, and hope that their progressions will show the players currently with the ETC that there is a pathway at the club and they could be next!’
The Trust were also pleased to welcome ETC sponsors Print Digital Media to the game on Saturday where the newly printed ETC kits were unveiled, hanks to Dean and Jack from PDM for their continued support.
For more information on the Emerging Talent Centre, email ETC Manager, Steve Hancock or call the office on 01246 264 030.