Did you know that The Steve Claridge Academy is at the Ray Mac? School leavers taking their first steps into further education can join an exciting and comprehensive college course which is focused on sport.
It has an education and a practical side. As they’re a smaller college, both sides of the course will adapt to a student’s strengths and requirements with the aim to assist them towards their chosen future goals.
Below you can see what Steve, the tutor and the head coach have to say…
Steve Claridge – Academy Head
“As head of the academy, I have a foot in both camps. On the one hand, I have been a professional footballer all my life so I can appreciate some may think the course will be designed solely around football but that simply isn’t the case. I’m also a parent and understand that if anything the educational side of this course is far more important than the football training and as such we have tailored the learning accordingly.
“We have been delivering education at Salisbury Football Club and two other academies for the best part of 10 years. Our grades are at least equal if not better than the local colleges, a fact that I am extremely proud of. We have a full-time tutor, Paul Addis who has many years of experience in delivering BTECs and sports qualifications. He is always on hand to help and Callum Hart who, as my number two at Salisbury Football Club, I can vouch for as an excellent coach.
“All in all, I am extremely proud of the quality of the courses we run and the people I have working for me. I for one am convinced we can offer the students a fantastic experience/opportunity and the parents the confidence and comfort to know their child is in safe hands.”
Paul Addis – Educational Tutor
“Not only do we offer excellent coaching and football opportunities but also a comprehensive education programme.
“Within the education part of the course, you will learn what is required to be a top-level athlete, including nutrition and sports psychology. The qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and will give you the opportunity to further your knowledge at university.
“The course is set up at different levels for all to learn the theory of being an elite sportsperson. So whatever your experience or playing ability, this course is for you!”
Callum Hart – Head Coach
“Here at The Steve Claridge Academy at Salisbury Football Club, alongside the excellent educational programme we offer daily football sessions and competitive midweek matches against other academies.
“I’m the head coach of the academy and also the Salisbury FC First Team Assistant Manager. I’m joined at the academy by fellow First Team Coach, Chris Keane.
“I have professional experience in the game having played in the Football League for AFC Bournemouth and a wealth of coaching experience to go with it.
“I have been part of Salisbury Football Club for nearly 10 years as a Player, Coach, and Assitant Manager. You don’t need to be a talented player to join the academy, but for the gifted and hardworking footballers, the clear links between the academy and the Football Club mean there is a pathway from the Academy into the Salisbury FC Development team or the Salisbury FC Ladies team. A few academy students have already made the step up this season, which is great to see.
“The aim would then be to progress from the Development team and go on and represent the Salisbury FC first team where you could regularly play in front of 1000 spectators as paid, semi-professional.
“We video all academy matches and have analysis briefings the next day as part of the educational programme. This is an excellent link between the pitch and the classroom.
“The course is open to both boys and girls, and you don’t have to be the best player, but if you come with the right attitude, your hard work and commitment then you’ll be amazed on how much you will develop.
“We have free travel arrangements for the students where we will pick them up on the minibus each morning and also make sure they get dropped back at the end of the day.”
For further information on the course contact Head Coach, Callum Hart
Call – 07957353791
Email – [email protected]
