Further Education Open Day ‘Most Popular and Promising Yet’, says Higgins
Worksop Town Academy’s next prospective cohort of Scholars visited the Windsor Foodservice Stadium last Thursday (27th October), receiving both a presentation and taster training session as part of the Academy Further Education Open Day. Overseeing the day was Head of Recruitment Matt Higgins, who was encouraged by the significant uptick in player turnout on the day.
“[The Open Day] was the most popular one we’ve had yet,” Higgins said “We had maybe 40 students turn up, which is nearly as many as are on the course across all three years. We had interest in both the Level 3 and Level 4 course, we had young adults who want to be coaches, want to be players – the variety is what made the day so promising for me.”
Within the presentation, hopefuls were given an overview of the current course structure, as well as a brief breakdown on what to expect should they look to join the Academy structure for their post-16 education. The presentation ended with some case studies from current scholars’ successes, giving plaudits to those who have thus far managed to take full advantage of the course and facilities. This was something that, to Higgins, took a priority when designing his presentation.
“When we have days like yesterday, we need to make sure we’re sharing not only information, but how the experience our students get can be invaluable, and proving there’s a progression route through the system from juniors all the way to the first team. I honestly believe more of our scholars will be able to make that jump in the future. We have to keep sharing that information.”
Another positive sign for the course came from the high turnout of female hopefuls – again, a record high number for an open day for the Scholars programme; both the Level 3 and Level 4 course are available to all players, regardless of gender, and this is a message that is fortunately reaching young women looking to build towards a career in football.
