Local Talent Showcased as Schools Tournament Shows Promise for Future

Yesterday (Thursday 13th October), the Windsor Foodservice Stadium played host to an Under 15s and 16s Schools Tournament, overseen by staff from Worksop Town Academy. Representatives from Serlby Park Academy, The Elizabethan Academy, Outwood Academy Portland, Outwood Academy Valley, and Tuxford Academy took part in the seven-a-side tournament, with Valley taking the victory at Under 15s level, and the Under 16s top spot going to Tuxford.

One person watching the day’s proceedings was Matt Higgins, Head of Recruitment for the Academy, who remarked that he was impressed by the level of quality on display across all schools. “First and foremost, to have close to one hundred [participants] come in for a local tournament is great for the Academy” Higgins said, “What makes it better still is that the football on show was really good – everyone enjoyed it, and it was good to hear positive feedback from visiting staff on the setup and facilities here at the ground.”

With the participating teams putting on a show, Higgins was also keen to talk about what could come next for players looking to pursue a career in football, and what the Academy could offer to any young footballers with an ambition to progress further in sports.

“The Academy works closely with professional football clubs, local junior clubs and teams, and schools, alongside our own JPL teams in order to ensure a successful route [forward] for all players playing at a high standard.”

Our football and education scholarship programme is a unique opportunity for talented young people between the ages of 16 and 18, and could allow players such as those today a realistic pathway into a career in playing or coaching football, alongside other careers in sports.”

With a large portion of the Academy’s players across all ages being students from the local area, and with some of those in attendance today likely to join the Academy ranks, tournaments such as this are yet another display of Worksop Town’s presence as a growing community hub for both football and sports education in and around Worksop, allowing fresh and exciting talent to flourish moving forwards, and giving back to the community that supports us. 

Finally, a big thank you to all those from Serlby Park Academy, The Elizabethan Academy, Outwood Academy Portland, Outwood Academy Valley, and Tuxford Academy that took part in the tournament, including teachers, players, coaching staff, and supporters for attending the event. We hope to see you again in the near future.

For more information on our Football Scholarship programmes, head to the ‘Education’ tab at the top of this page, click here for information on our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport course, or email Matt Higgins at recruitment@worksoptownacademy.co.uk.

To enquire how Worksop Town Academy can help your next community event, be that with our highly qualified football coaching team, or our state-of-the-art venue, email Aidan Wearmouth at community.foundation@worksoptownacademy.co.uk.