The chairman and manager of Carlton Town have heaped praise on a scheme running at the club for youngsters which combines football and education.
The Millers signed up to the Norther Premier League Football Academy (NPLFA) programme back in November 2016 and it has already produced four players for the first team.
The scheme, which is aimed at 16-19 year olds, gives players the opportunity to achieve a BTEC or NVQ during classroom sessions with teammates, train three-four days a week with an experienced UAFA qualified coach and also play for Carlton Town in the NPLFA league and FA Youth Cup.
The best players will then hopefully progress into The Millers’ first team.
The NPLFA programme is the brainchild of long-time former Radcliffe Borough boss Kevin Glendon, and runs in conjunction with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.
Carlton Town chairman, Mick Garton, said he is delighted to see the programme grow so rapidly in such a short space of time
He said: “The NPLFA programme has only brought positive affects to our club, from bringing the local community together, the extra financial income and attracting youngsters from the local area to the club and providing them with an education. The added bonus is producing players four our first team which is great for us.”
“We have been delighted to have four students make their first team debuts this season, the manager (Wayne Scott) works closely with the academy coach Evan Garnett and they communicate on a weekly basis.
“The more players we can get from the academy the better. We are not like a Premier League club in regards to the finances, which are tight, we want to develop our own players.”
Mr Garton added: “I believe this is a fantastic thing the NPLFA are doing, it’s what this level of football is crying out for. Opportunities are limited at the top clubs, so we are in more of a position to provide chances and create more opportunities. We’re the next step for them. As well as the football, for our local lads to be here at the club and gaining an education all the way up to degree level is great.”
First-team manager Wayne Scott also praised the scheme.
He said: “With UEFA qualified coaches, the quality of football is excellent but to get an education as well make it a fantastic programme and the work in the classroom is the most important aspect of the Academy.
“Young fifteen/sixteen year olds coming to us, now have a clear vision for up to five years with the degree course on offer which can only benefit themselves, our club and the NPL Football Academy.”
Learn more about the scheme at https://nplfa.co.uk/
