Do you want a Career in Football?

Chelmsford College started a football and coaching programme in August 2011 with over 40 players and with the scheme due to expand in 2012 is likely to become the most popular and successful of its kind in the Country.

SOCA (Soccer Opportunities and Coaching Academy) aims to attract talented young footballers and coaches, giving them a chance to develop their talent at recognised clubs and organisations whilst also gaining top coaching and educational qualifications.

Having partnered Chelsea FC, Colchester United FC, Southend United FC, Chelmsford City FC, Canvey Island FC and Brentwood Town Ladies FC, we have created the perfect environment where all our students can choose a profession in coaching by achieving the relevant qualifications, and at the same time further their playing careers at semi-professional level.

With the guidance of highly qualified coaching staff, which include former professional players, academy coaches and FA tutors we would like to think the students have every chance of playing or coaching at a high level, representing the county, England schools or even going all the way to becoming a professional football player or coach.

Former West Ham legend Stuart Slater has been involved as a key member of the player and coaching development staff from the start and said: “SOCA provides young footballers and coaches with the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase their talent. It is my aim to help and support talented young individuals, providing them with the best education, training, football networks and sporting facilities to help them realise their full potential. “

The teams play competitive league games in the Football Conference Youth Alliance (Chelmsford City FC), English Colleges Football Association (Canvey Island FC) and South East Women's Combination (Brentwood Town Ladies). The teams also showcase the players, where they are tested in a number of prestigious friendly matches, against sides like West Ham, Ipswich Town, Reading, Watford, Leyton Orient, Colchester United and Southend United.

This programme allows our students to see further employment in the sports industry and also enables them to play at a respectable semi-professional level.

The courses for 2011/12 include:

Level 1 Qualification: BTEC Certificate in Sport & Leisure (Football Studies)

• Studying 2 mornings per week
• Training 3 afternoons
• Playing every Wednesday afternoon

Level 2 Qualification: BTEC Diploma in Sport (Football Studies)

• Studying 3 mornings per week
• Training 3 afternoons
• Playing every Wednesday afternoon

Level 3 Qualification: BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport – Performance and Excellence (Football Studies)

• Studying 5 mornings per week
• Training 3 afternoons
• Playing every Wednesday afternoon

These BTEC Qualifications give boys and girls the chance to play full time football and study for a sports qualification.

Apprenticeship – Activity Leadership (coaching) NVQ Level 2

• 11 months

This apprenticeship gives boys and girls the opportunity to play full time football, gain practical work experience and gain an industry led qualification whilst getting paid.

If you would like to have the chance to be part of these exciting programmes please call: 01245 29 30 31 or e-mail: information@chelmsford.ac.uk