Canvey Island FC are delighted to announce the relaunch of our partnership with Creative Sport & Leisure (CSL) to provide a bespoke football academy programme.

The club had previously worked successfully with CSL in running our academy, a system which has helped launch the career of several Isthmian League Premier and North players.

This time the academy will also be run in partnership with Ortu Sixth Form Centre - Stanford & Corringham.

There are two routes into the academy; either studying for a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science or by enrolling on the Future Skills Programme.

The Future Skills Programme is a study programme that allows entry on to the Football Academy. Students on this programme will study industry qualifications, functional skills and attend work experience related to the qualifications. There are no academic qualifications required to access this study programme, and you do not have to be a current Ortu Gable Hall School student. Applicants however, need to be able to play football at the required level.

Qualifications available through the Future Skills Programme include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Learning in Physical Education and School Sport
• Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Sport and Physical Activity
• Level 2 Award in Multi Skills Development
• Level 2 Spectator Safety
• Level 1 Award in Coaching Football
• Emergency Aid

While listening to the needs of football clubs and acknowledging that the learners are attracted to the fact that they can train and play in an elite standard environment, we must highlight that the main aim of this programme is to assist in the development of the players by making them employable and more attractive to employers by upskilling them in the sport and physical activity and spectator safety industries.

Although as ever, there is always a possibility in progressing through the football club system into a higher level and ultimately, paid football. It is however, vital to prepare the players for a realistic pathway after this programme.

While on this 36 week programme, the players will train 2 mornings per week, play in a structured college league, study multiple qualifications and work 5 hours per week in an environment relevant for progression into employment.

To register your interest, please visit the football programme apply page at http://www.creativesportandleisure.co.uk/skillsprogramme/canvey . Alternatively, you can call 01268 552 218 for general enquiries.