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Trust extend provision to Southend
Community Trust enters new partnership
Ipswich Town Foundation and CR1 Football Education are delighted to announce an exciting partnership from September 2021 to launch a brand new Post-16 Football and Education Programme in Southend.
Students have the chance to train and play on a daily basis alongside their education delivered by vastly experienced UEFA A Licence coaches whilst enjoying classroom and 1st team pitch facilities at Southend Manor Football Club.
Students will represent Ipswich Town Foundation in a competitive Elite fixture programme whilst wearing the famous blue and white kit against equivalent sides from the likes of Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic and Brentford. They will study an NCFE Diploma in Sports & Physical Activity with the timetable carefully designed to allow the students to thrive both academically and in their football respectively.
This exceptional opportunity provides flexibility where players will not need to be tied to a particular club, our Football & Education programme looks to complement existing grassroots football provision and allow players to continue playing for their current teams.
Colin Reid, CR1 Football Education Director (UEFA ‘A’ Licence Coach and FA Coach Developer) said: “We are pleased to announce that we will be working in partnership with Ipswich Town Foundation.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for players who feel they have the ability to go on to the next ‘level’ of the game and this really gives all who attend a real opportunity to ‘showcase’ their talent on a regular basis’ and progress. We will have a natural exit route to represent Southend Manor in the Essex Senior League or even ‘greater’ things for those that show potential. We have had players progress from similar courses we have run to go on to play both in The Premier League and also the EFL, so why can’t you be the next one?”
Jason Curtis, ITFC Head of Community added: “I am really pleased we have been able to add this additional provision to our Football & Education programme.
“Due to the location this fits in well with the clubs objectives to widen the search for talent and as a scout for the club Colin and the CR1 team will do a fantastic job. Colin has a true love for the game and is meticulous in his approach and delivery having witnessed this first hand.
“This is an outstanding prospect for young, talented male and female footballers in the area to continue their academic, footballing and career development through Ipswich Town Football Club.”
Jerry Omango, Southend Manor FC Chairman added: “I am delighted that Southend Manor FC has reached an agreement with Ipswich Town FC and CR1 Football to host such a prestigious scheme.
“Since purchasing Southend Manor in 2019, one of my main objectives was to make Southend Manor a club for the community again, a big part of that was rebuilding our once esteemed youth setup that we sadly lost over of time. This scheme focussed on 16-18 year olds will help us do that by giving local youths the opportunity to not only receive top quality coaching from UEFA A level coaches but also gain a qualification that will hopefully help the youths go on to lead successful lives.
“It is no secret Southend Manor FC has a strong relationship with Ipswich Town FC, we welcomed their coaches and scouts to Southchurch Park over the summer to work with our local youth players some of which went onto join their academy which is great to see and something we strongly encourage for our youth players to become the best players they can be.
“When Colin Reid first spoke to me about the possibility of running a Football & Education programme at Southend Manor in partnership with Ipswich Town FC it was an opportunity too good to miss and ticked all the boxes for the direction I want to take the club. Colin has vast coaching experience working with young players like Freddie Sears and Michael Kightly so having someone of his calibre working with local youngsters was a massive bonus for everyone”
How to get involved
This exclusive scheme has a limit of 24 places available and we will be hosting a virtual open evening on Thursday 25th February 2021.
Initial trials to display football ability will be hosted at Southend Manor Football Club on Thursday 18th March 2021 from 5.30-7.45pm – to secure your place please CLICK HERE
A brief presentation will be provided prior to the trial 5.30-6pm, where parents and student athletes will be able to find out more about the day to day schedule of being a student as part of the football and education programme.
Note: This event is pending COVID restrictions – however we are encouraging students to register so we can keep applicants updated on any potential revised dates or further developments.
To find out more you can contact Colin Reid reidfootball@live.co.uk or Luke Worley luke.worley@itfc.co.uk
