Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team Apply using the form below
Within the last two years the Shadow Youth Team programme has had some fantastic success stories of players/students progressing into the professional & semi professional game, as well as into full time employment.
Mo Sangare (pictured top)- BFC Shadow Youth Team player 2015-16.
Mo signed a professional contract with Newcastle United and is currently playing in their Under 23’s with the hope of breaking into the first team.
Joe Kouadio (pictured below)- BFC Shadow Youth Team Player 2015/16 & 17/18.
Joe had a successful trial with Nike Academy and went on to sign a 12-month contract however, due to the Nike Academy closing Joe returned to the Shadow Youth Team to continue his development and has had trials at clubs based in the UK and abroad and is still striving to achieve his goal of becoming a professional footballer.
Harry Pate- BFC Shadow youth Team Player 2015-17
Harry joined the programme with the ambition of becoming a professional footballer, during his time Harry started working as a casual coach with Burnley FC in the Community. Working across different programmes including Premier League KICKS, Soccer Schools and the charity’s Disability Sport provision this experience gave Harry an insight into the wide range of opportunities available with Burnley FC in the Community and encouraged him to think about his future career progression.
Harry is now a full-time member of staff with Burnley FC in the Community working as a Disability Development Coach.
We currently have 11 Shadow Youth Team players playing semi-professional football at different tiers of non-league. With 8 players having trials with Burnley FC’s u18’s/23’s.
The Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team programme is delivered by Burnley FC in the Community staff in partnership with Nelson and Colne College. The programme gives talented young players between the ages of 16 and 18 the chance to combine academic studies with practical football experience. It is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football.
Players on the Shadow Youth Team will train daily and play on a competitive basis, which is an experience similar to football academies nationwide. In addition to the training, players will complete a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport Performance and Business with the support and guidance of the highly-skilled teaching staff at Nelson and Colne College.
The Shadow Youth Team first team plays in the National Football Youth League which is as close to academy football as you can get because the league is solely for Premier League and Football League clubs. Each league hosts a demanding and high standard of football through which players may progress to Burnley FC’s official under 18s, under 21s or even the first team. All players are provided with free Football Club training kit.
We provide players with the skills required to help them progress to a higher standard of education and football, as well as giving them the necessary experience to work within community football coaching and other areas of the sports industry. Players will receive training in football coaching leading to Football Association (FA) coaching badges, emergency aid and a grounding in safeguarding issues and practice.
All courses are staffed by fully qualified professionals both on and off the field. This allows flexibility for students to choose from a combination of pathways to match their ability, aptitude, interests and aspirations. The Shadow Youth Team package is a fantastic opportunity for young people keen to develop their talent on the football pitch and find a route into a career in football coaching, the leisure/sports industry or University.
For more information and details of upcoming trials please complete the form below
CONTACT
Chris Andrews
c.andrews@burnleyfc.com or
n.mottram@burnleyfc.com
Tel: 01282 704716