Fulham Football Club Academy has created a learning environment, both on and off the pitch, which will support our players to ensure that their time with the Academy will be a positive and beneficial experience. We have, on site, the finest staff, facilities, services and equipment to create an atmosphere of excellence.
Everything from the coaching and teaching to the medical care, is planned to ensure that the Academy experience will give a unique opportunity to develop mentally, physically and socially, so that the player can secure a productive place in society
Education
The continual educational development of all players is a crucial part of Academy life. At the Academy we take our commitment to education very seriously and we aim to create solid working relationships with schools for our Schoolboys and Scholars. We view the educational element not only as a ‘safety net’ should the boys not fulfil their football ambitions, but also to teach lifestyle skills that will prove valuable throughout the life of the Academy player.
Our involvement is basically at two levels:
- Academy Schoolboy (9-16 years)
At this stage we aim to build a relationship with the player’s school which ensures an open channel of communication, so that any potential problems may be identified and resolved at the earliest opportunity. The partnership between the school, parents/guardian, player and Head of Education and Welfare can positively support and encourage the boy to reach his potential.
Subject to Youth Development rules, the number of authorised games to be played in a season by a Football Academy player shall be a minimum of 24 games and a maximum of 30 games. This includes all school and representative matches. We would encourage boys to play for their school and representative teams, as we feel it is important for them to mix with their peers. The partnership with the Academy, parents and schools, helps to ensure that the player adheres to the number of games as laid down by The Premier League, whilst maintaining his academic studies.
- Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (16 – 18)
Once the player becomes a full-time scholar he will embark on the ‘ASE’ programme.
ASE has been created to support the football element of the two year scholarship. The combination of work based learning and theory sessions ensures that the scholar receives a balanced and challenging education programme.
ASE has three components:
1. Football Element 12 hours per week
2. Education Element 10 hours per week
3. Work based learning
Education ElementAll full time Academy scholars are enrolled on the ASE scheme. The scholars’ theory sessions are timetabled for 08.15 am – 09.45 am Mondays to Fridays. The education is provided by two teachers who deliver the course on site at Motspur Park. This in-house delivery allows for greater flexibility to integrate the education provision with the demands of the football element of the scholarship.
The scholars follow a BTEC in Sport Studies (Performance and Excellence) over the two year scholarship programme. The vocational qualification is equivalent to two A2 levels. Details of the course content and assessment are available at Scholarship induction evenings or on
www.edexcel.org.uk|
Work Based Learning
The scholars follow an NVQ Level 3 (work based learning) in the form of keeping a comprehensive and extensive Training Diary. At the end of two years, this NVQ is equivalent to one A2 level. The delivery of the work based learning is an ongoing experience. expert speakers, coaches, referees, other professionals, first team players, our Club Manager and senior staff give their time to share their experiences of working and playing for a Premiership Club. All aspects of the work based learning are directly related to football performance.
The Academy also provides a wide-ranging Core Skills programme which is designed to enhance the life skills of the Scholar. Topics include media skills, financial planning, driving skills, drink and drugs awareness etc. The topics are delivered by a combination of internal and external providers to offer a broad perspective.
Welfare
Our aim is to provide a caring welfare system where players can discuss any personal problems that may arise in complete confidence.
At Fulham Football Club we recognise that, together with the positive aspects of being an Academy player, there are also pressures on elite athletes. These are pressures that not only affect the player but his family. We understand the enormous commitment involved in taking an active part in the Academy and wish to offer as much support as possible. The Head of Education and Welfare has responsibility for the pastoral care for registered players from age 9 years to 18 years.
Lee Hagger is the Head of Education & Welfare and a Safeguarding Children’s Officer at Fulham Football Club, and he will do all that is reasonable and possible in all circumstances to ensure that the wellbeing of all Academy players is paramount.
The welfare of full time Academy Scholars is particularly important as, in many cases, they are living away from home for the first time. The Academy endeavours to ensure that the lodging accommodation provided for them meets their individual needs and provides them with a happy and stable environment in which to live. The scholars are offered assistance in all areas, both practical and personal.
The Academy’s aim is to make the time a player spends with us a rewarding and enjoyable experience. In reality, some players will ultimately be released from the Academy and, in these circumstances, we assist players in finding alternative football clubs as appropriate, and offer help and guidance in pursuing alternative training and careers.
Safeguarding Children
The Academy consistently monitors and reviews its policies and procedures; we have a comprehensive Bullying Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Complaints Procedure. All Academy staff, both full and part time, attend Child Protection Training to promote awareness and encourage best practice.
A copy of our Safeguarding Children Policy is available from the Head of Education and Welfare in the Academy Office.