Strachan Development Course at The Academy

Since starting in August all our participants have pushed themselves to take them out of their comfort zones. Their usual daily week consists of being in college in the morning for a 9 o’clock start, learning about what it takes to work in a sporting environment. So far they have learned how to use gym equipment safely and have coached their fellow participants on how to ‘lift’ properly without being injured. There is also an IT class every Monday where they have picked up skills such as how to write a CV and how to apply for jobs.  In the afternoon the students take advantage of the excellent facilities at Spartans Community Football Academy where they do a structured football session. The training is designed to give them an idea on what sort of things professional footballers do every day and what sort of sacrifices these players make in their everyday lives.

“The course has really helped me find my motivation again. I always enjoyed sport when I was at School but when I left I fell away from Sport and picked up bad habits. I was being lazy and had no motivation to get out of my bed. I am 19 now and have not really engaged in anything since leaving school at 16. Since the course has started I have got back into a daily routine, became fitter and stronger and found my motivation. I have made new friends and found my love of sport again. If I achieve this qualification I would like to continue my studies next year and my long term goal is to become a physiotherapist” - Connor Anderson

In October our students had the excellent opportunity to help run the UEFA B licence with current players such as Johnny Hayes and Andrew Halliday. Our students where being coached by these players and had to execute the football drills that they were asked to do. It was great benefit for them to be on the same pitch as these guys and have access to the world class facilities at Scotland’s training centre The Oriam.

As part of the course the students also play in games against recently came out on top against Street League Employability Fund 5-2 winners.

At the end of the term the students will all achieve a certificate in Sport and Fitness at SVQ Level 4 which opens doors to lots of opportunities in the sporting industry. 

We are now recruiting for new students who would be keen to start this excellent course in January. Anybody interested should email eddiemalone@spartanscfa.com or call The Academy on 0131 552 7854.