NYC Cup
The Fulham FC Foundation’s Football & Education Programme guides talented young footballers on their journey as student athletes, as they prepare for post-secondary studies and a future in football or beyond. Aimed at students aged 16-19, the programme provides academic support for pupils working towards A-Levels and BTEC qualifications, whilst training like professional footballers every day.
This summer a squad of 18 student athletes will be flying to New York City to take part in the NYC Cup. The NYC Cup is three-day tournament providing the platform for students to compete against some of the best teams that North America has to offer. The aim of the tour is to provide the students with an opportunity to showcase their footballing talents and meet US College representatives with the view to gaining a scholarship in the USA.
Tom Hounsell, Football & Education Head Coach: “The aim for us is to provide an experience that will influence and positively enhance the social, personal and emotional development of all learners. This trip will be particularly beneficial to students with regards to developing key life skills, improve independence and act as a catalyst for students thinking around exit routes and their future.”
Following the acceptance of planning permission from the Royal Borough of Kingston, Fulham FC’s Training Ground will undergo developments to transform it into a leading training facility which will include:
- One floodlit outdoor Artificial Surface (FIFA recommended 2 Star rating under the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf) pitch measuring 105m by 68m;
- One indoor Artificial Surface pitch measuring a minimum of 77m by 56m.
The proposed enhancements will benefit community functions and students enrolling in 2016 will have the opportunity to join a new class based at Fulham FC’s Motspur Park Training Ground. Students will complete the BTEC Level 3 Sport course and train full time from the first class facility, home of Fulham’s First Team. In addition to this the team will compete in the U19 National Football Youth Development League which is considered to be the strongest league outside of academy football.
Ali Melloul, Football & Education Programme Manager, at Fulham FC Foundation spoke of the unique opportunity: “Our new students will have an experience that mirrors that of an academy scholar at a professional football club. We feel that providing this alternative education environment will allow us to further motivate and engage students, ensuring they reach their full potential.”
Andrew Joslin, Football & Education/Academy Coach, discussed the impact of the programme enthusiastically, stating: “Our programme offers a unique opportunity for young student athletes to excel in a competitive football environment where the combination of an organised coaching syllabus, and full-time education allows each individual to find a direction in life and eventually fulfil their ambitions. The values required for success in sport cannot help but spill over into a student’s academic life where with hard work, they will reach their maximum potential on and off the pitch.”
Players interested in joining this programme will need to attend a playing trial and have five GCSEs at A-C. In addition to this players must be born between:
U16: 1st September 1999 – 31st August 2000
U17: 1st September 1998 – 31st August 1999
To attend a playing trial players must register by completing the online application form found here:www.fulhamfc.com/footballandeducation.
TRIAL DAY
Tuesday 31st May 2016
LSE Sports Ground, Windsor Avenue,
New Malden, KT3 5HB.
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
