Chelmsford College's Academy Reputation Grows

After 9 very successful seasons in the National League, Chelmsford College are still producing football players that are progressing to a very high standard. The Academy players train and play full-time whilst studying qualifications of their choice.

After the very successful progression of Joe Ward from Chelmsford City to Peterborough Utd and Aaron Greene from Chelmsford City to Brentford, players have been following in their footsteps year after year. This year, they have seen Tyler Forbes play internationally for The British Virgin Islands as well as progressing from the U19 academy to Heybridge Swifts first team. "Tyler has been an inspiration this year and there have been 1 or 2 clubs enquire after him" says former West Ham favourite, Stuart Slater. "His pacey runs from full-back have troubled many defences and he deserves his break into first team football."

Another to excel and progress to Heybridge Swifts is Joe Debell. "Joe's work rate and enthusiasm for winning is key to his success" says former Colchester Utd player, Kirk Game. "Joe reminds me a little of myself when I trained and played and I have no doubt he will progress even further." Joe has also been selected by Stuart Nethercott and has joined the Swifts squad for training.

The college has an excellent coaching team in Slater and Game and are only too pleased to see young players progress into senior squads. This year also saw Ted Forbes progress to Aveley FC, Kieran Jones to Brentwood FC, Callum Fitzer to Hullbridge and Tommy Tableporter also to Heybridge Swifts. "These are all young players that football supporters will hear more of in the future" says Academy Director, David Cornwell.

David also sings the praises of the new goalkeeper academy and former West Ham Utd goalkeeper coach Dan Worthington. "The new goalkeeper academy at the college has seen some excellent goalkeepers this year and Dan is doing an excellent job, it's very popular and the keeper training has been immense."

The college has seen football players not only progress with their football, "there's are a wide variety of college courses on offer and we also offer 16 different apprenticeship programmes for those players who have finished their courses and ready to leave college" David says. "It's our aim for players to play professional football but failing that, play senior football whilst studying an apprenticeship of their choice

If you are an aspiring young player and interested in this excellent scheme, please contact David Cornwell on 01245 293119 or e-mail Cornwelld@chelmsford.ac.uk