An exciting new partnership between Oldham Athletic Community Trust, Oldham College & Oldham Futsal will see, for the first time, an Oldham based Futsal team compete in the National EFL Trust Futsal League.
The new partnership, which will see Oldham College students represent Oldham Athletic in the national league, is the result of a positive and long lasting relationship which also sees the Oldham Futsal Arena host the OACT holiday clubs.
Martin Vose, OACT Community Manager, commented: “This is a fantastic partnership and creates an exciting opportunity for young people across the borough aged 16-18. To have the college enter into the EFL Trust Futsal League, representing Oldham Athletic, is for us ground breaking and will kick off what promises to be an exciting 2018/19 season for us.”
Joe Hatwell, Oldham College Programme Tutor for Sport, added: “Oldham College is excited to be announced as the educational provider for the new Oldham Athletic Futsal Academy. We are delighted to have created a strong partnership with Oldham Athletic FC.
“This is a fantastic time for new students to enrol with Oldham College 2018/19 on to our BTEC Sport programme and be part of the new Futsal Academy, playing in the EFL Trust Futsal League.”
Players aged 16-19 are welcome to apply with applications for the course ongoing.
What’s Involved?
This is a two year full-time course, giving players aged 16-19 the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification whilst still developing Futsal skills. Academic studies will total around 19 hours per week on the appropriate course of choice; there will be at least six hours of football work including training and match play.
Module Information
Depending on entry grades and courses chosen, successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain one of the following qualifications: BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Sport, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, Level 1 Futsal Coaching Award, Level 1 Refereeing and First Aid. The Futsal element comprises six hours a week of coaching from UEFA A and B coaches, including a personalized training and nutrition programme for each player.
Next Step
Vocationally, this course can lead onto Football Development Schemes, Soccer Scholarships in the USA, The College’s Foundation Degree programme or other Higher Education programmes based elsewhere. Football-wise, some candidates may progress onto semi-professional or even professional footballer status, the academy has progression routes through various semi-professional or professional football clubs. The course will allow students to progress into employment in the health & fitness sector, sports development and sports coaching amongst other careers.