ARE you finishing secondary school this year and looking at a way to mix football training with your further studies?

Bradford (Park Avenue) have teamed up with Bradford college to provide just that with a top-class academy for aspiring 16–18-year-old male and female footballers.

It will provide a full-time football training and games programme alongside full-time education from September this year.

All football activity will take place at the Horsfall Community Stadium on the 3G surface while the education will be based at Bradford College campuses.

Trials for the male scholarship programme took place on December 21 2020 with more than 70 prospective students taking part as the likes of Premier League giants Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City were in attendance on the lookout for talented youngsters.

Due to high demand, a further trial period is also due to start in April 2021. There are 50 spaces available in the programme.

Trials for the ladies’ scholarship programme are also set to begin in four months’ time.

Assistant principal at Bradford College Asa Gordon said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to engage young people in education and sport, combining football and study in a full-time environment.”

Players will have access to GPS data, match analysis and a potential pathway into professional football - all under the supervision and guidance from experienced UEFA qualified professional coaches.

One of those is Park Avenue academy manager Tom McStravick who has been putting in some great work in the three months he has been in the role.

Last October half-time he helped organise the 'multi-skills Halloween camp' in conjunction with Bradford Bulls at Horsfall which gave children aged six to 14 an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including football and rugby, over a five-day period.

Before lockdown, Avenue were also running skills centre for five-12-year-olds with Chelsea scouts again keeping an eye out for upcoming talent.

On this newfound relationship with Bradford College, McStravick said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Bradford College to deliver a top-quality education provision alongside a five-star football service for young males and females.

“This partnership will ensure we are able to provide a high-quality scholarship programme like no other for the local people.

"I’m looking forward to working together to ensure a long and fruitful relationship.

“If you want to try for the academy, come to us with an open mind.

"We are looking for people who are ambitious and have a really strong work ethic. We will do our best to help you along on your journey.”

Alongside the football training side, a range of courses at Bradford College across different curriculum areas will be available to choose from and will cater for a wide range of educational needs.

The academy will also offer pathways to other areas of the football profession like healthcare, sports science, management, and coaching.

Head of professional services and leisure at Bradford College Beverly Fox said: “Through this partnership, we are offering young people with a passion for the sport a unique opportunity to create exceptional careers in the field and join a new generation of football heroes.”

Anyone wishing to trial for the academy should get in touch with McStravick either by phone on 07821579451 or email thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com