Recruiting Now 2015Boys and Girls aged 16 - 18

Welcome to the edsvacademy

Here we offer a chance for boys & girls aged 16-19 years old the chance to marry their studies with football development.

When looking at these types of programmes, the key considerations for anyone interested needs to be ‘what are my academic options?’ and ‘what will my football development be?’ Since forming in 2012, we have managed to attain outstanding statistics to answer both of these questions factually.Academically, 96.5% of our students have left us with the relevant qualifications for their chosen career path, whilst on the pitch we have won four titles, had two players sign for professional teams and over 30 sign forms for semi-professional sides.

What we are looking for is those of you who are serious about your development as both a student and an athlete. We only recruit a maximum of 25 boys and 25 girls each year, so whilst acceptance on to our programme will mean you receive plenty of benefits, it also comes with a high expectation to push yourself to be better.

Within this brochure you’ll gain an insight to what we offer. If you like what you see and what I’ve stated above sounds like you then we’ll look forward to receiving your application. If it isn’t then we take this opportunity to wish you luck with your future endeavours.

Best Regards,

Chris Watters, Academy Director

The academics of this programme contain your main subject choices, along with an element of skill development in English and Maths. Students may elect to study Functional Skills, GCSE or other skill development options within their programme. The course is full-time and studies MUST take place at our centres.

Academic OpportunitiesThe EDSV Academy believes that your studies are the most important part of this program; therefore close attention will be paid to the performance you show within the classroom, as all of your main courses are designed to assist a possible placement at University. Students who show a higher playing ability will also be offered an opportunity to continue their studies in America.

Courses OptionsUnlike the majority of other football education programmes our students are able to study a variety of A-Levels & vocational courses, as well as a range of BTECs. Should your journey in football not meet your aspirations, then we believe it is vitally important that you leave us qualified with the knowledge that is needed to pursue a career of your choice.Exact details of what is on offer can be found on our website.

Course Length & Entry RequirementsThe length of the course varies from 1-4 years, dependent on course choice and GCSE grades.Entry requirements will vary depending on the courses you wish to study. Each student will be looked at separately and will be given specific guidance on their entry requirements during an interview process.Students with a minimum of 5 A-C’s will be preferred.

Academic Info

Oaklands College is a large further education and training provider based in Hertfordshire, with campuses in St Albans, Welwyn Garden City and further training provision in Borehamwood.

Oaklands College has developed a reputation for delivering learning success in an interactive, supportive and inclusive environment and recently achieved an overall ‘Good’ in its Ofsted report.

The College offers almost 1,500 full- and part-time courses to more than 10,000 students who come to Oaklands from across the region, while the sporting academies continue to draw from all over the UK.

Oaklands College offers a wide range of courses across many subjects A-levels and Access to Higher Education; Animal Care, Apprenticeships, Art, Fashion and Design, Beauty, Business and Retail, Childcare Studies, Computing and IT, Construction, Engineering, English as a Foreign Language, Equine Studies, Health and Social Care, Horticulture and Greenkeeping, Hospitality and Catering, Media, Music and Performing Arts, Public Services and Sports Studies.

Oaklands College

info@oaklands.ac.uk01727 737000

www.oaklands.ac.uk

The football of this programme contains four sessions a week, along with the opportunity to represent us on a weekly basis within the National College League.Involvement within the academy DOES NOT stop you from representing the teams you currently play for. All we ask is that you make yourself available for selection within our Wednesday fixtures.

Training DetailsStudent Athletes accepted on to the programme will benefit from many forms of training processes. A typical week within the academy will include the following:

- Technical Improvement Sessions work on the core skills of football- Tactical Understanding Sessions focus on more game related scenarios and teach the scholars the strategic part of the game- GK Sessions Two-three of the sessions a week are spent working with our experienced GK coaches- Position Specific Training Sessions focus on the specific job roles of each position within a variety of scenarios and formations- Video Analysis Our weekly fixtures are recorded and reviewed by our Performance Analyst and then played back to our scholars to assist with their development

Therapy, Strength & Conditioning DepartmentAlong with the already stated training methods, we provide a full-time fitness department that covers both prehab and rehab of injuries. Weekly sessions within your timetable will be provided so that you can work with our specialised Strength & Conditioning staff to improve your physical capabilities.

In addition, you will also benefit from our full-time therapy department. For any injuries you may sustain, you’ll be able to book in with our Sport Therapy team and work with them to get you back to full health.

Football Info

Richard Lee – Goal Keeper for Brentford FC, Director of GK IconClub History: Watford, Blackburn, Brentford

“Being a professional goalkeeper for the last 12 years has certainly helped open my eyes to progression and participation levels in grass roots football throughout the country. I can genuinely say that EDSV Academy, based at Oaklands College Smallford, has beaten off competition to secure a very much “pro” experience on their scholarship programme. This is seen throughout the level of care, detail, coaching and genuine opportunity the programme process on a monthly and yearly basis.”

Testimonials

Scott McLeish – Retired Pro, Consultant for PFAClub History: Charlton Athletic, Peterborough United, Leyton Orient, Barnet, Colchester United, Northampton, Wycombe Wanderers, Bristol Rovers

“Over a number of weeks now I have had the privilege of coaching the strikers for the EDSV college football teams.

I was fortunate enough to play professional football for 18 years and have seen many changes in the way football is being coached but I must say that the coaching standard I have witnessed at EDSV is equal to the professional ranks.

From the outset I could tell that the players are well cared for by the program, they all have their own EDSV training kit and any training equipment needed to help the players progress is available for the coaches to use just as if they was at a professional league club.

Also there is on site physio for the players should they be unlucky enough to be injured which shows just how professional the program is not only in the education and coaching departments but also in the players welfare.

When I was asked to come along and coach the strikers I said yes without hesitation as coaching in the EDSV program is like coaching apprentices in the football league. The whole program is run to a very professional standard and I would recommend this to anyone looking to combine their education and football ambitions.”

Clarke Carlisle – Retired Pro, Current TV Pundit for BT SportClub History: Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United, Watford, Burnley, York City, Northampton Town

“I have been totally impressed by the work of Billy, Chris and the team at EPA. Having worked at 10 professional clubs over 17 years, the facilities, coaching and mentoring that the young men receive here is comparable with all of them. I have personally witnessed the progress of one individual who had a troubled background.

The academy not only brought structure and discipline into his life, but also nurtured a growing talent that is now on the verge of progressing into the professional ranks of football. Of all the stages of a potential football career, the foundations are the most important and this is one of the best places to cement them.”

Gary Phillips - Head Goal Keeper Coach for Crystal PalaceClub History: Briton & Hove Albion, West Brom, Barnet, Brentford, Reading, GK coach at QPR fc, Southend fc ,Colchester Utd fc, Stevenage fc, Crystal Palace fc.

“EDSV at Oaklands college is a very professionally run coaching and education based football programme that has magnificent facilities and top coaches, it is run to pro club standards and the boys treated as if at pro club.

I believe the high standards that are set and achieved by the staff and boys , should encourage anyone considering a programme to enlist into, then this particular course and facility should be first choice.”

We are currently competing in our third season. Within the previous two campaigns we have achieved the following successes.

Team SuccessesBritish College League Eastern Region Champions 2013/14 (played as Oaklands Wolves)ECFA College League Title 2012/13ECFA College League Title 2013/14Hertfordshire County Cup Winners

International SuccessNick Thompson Called up to the English College National sideLeigh Nicol Called up to the Scotland Ladies U19 National sideLucy Loomes Called up to the England Ladies U19 National side

Professional ContractsNick Thompson Left the edsvacademy to sign for Stevenage Borough FCKaine Wright Left the edsvacademy to sign for C.S. MaritimoBrandon Adams Left the edsvacademy to sign for QPRLeigh Nicol Signed a professional contract for Reading Ladies FCLucy Loomes Signed a professional contract for London Bees FC

Success Stories

To consistently provide you with all the support you need to be the best footballer you can be.

Refuel Performance Management set themselves well apart from traditional Performance Management Companies. From their unique approach founded upon an understanding of football, together with their many partnerships formed to give you the support you need both on and off the field, they’ll consistently provide you with all the support you need to be the best footballer you can be.

Why RPM?RPM, are not “Football Agents” but do hold a belief about how a Performance Management Company should be run and everything it should encompass. Their philosophy is simple - work with players who they want to help develop into the very best they can be. Through working with RPM, you will instantly start to benefit from the support of each of their services. Whether in the initial stages of your career and looking

to make a name for yourself, or starting to consider life beyond football, they are the one-stop-shop to help you do just that. Instead, they’ve set upon a mission to create a Performance Management Company which will pioneer a new comprehensive approach. They sign players that they want to help develop into the very best, and offer them a whole host of avenues to help make their footballing dreams a reality.

In addition, thanks to the backing of a team of experienced people all with deep roots in football, RPM understand footballers and the world they live in. From mental coaching through to lifestyle management, they go above and beyond to offer you the essential tools needed to help you stay focused on your playing career, leaving RPM to take care of the rest and open up new doors for you as both a footballer and an individual.

PartnersAs an academy we look to offer a more holistic experience. We work with a small number of companies that we believe can benefit your development as a player. Our two main links are with Refuel Performance Management & Player Pal.

RPM Partners:

What RPM offer:RPM’s 360 degree approach to management aims to maximise your position and potential at every possible opportunity, and they offer this across a number of expertly staffed divisions from performance coaching to legal and insurance consultants.RPM HistoryEstablished in 2012 by Peter Lee, CEO of the Refuel Group of Companies and father to a professional footballer, RPM was borne out of an understanding of the football world, what footballers need to succeed, and a realisation that this simply was not on offer elsewhere.

Partners

@playerpalhq

About Player-PalWhen you sign up to Player-Pal you will receive a hard copy personalised nutrition plan, weekly emails with meal plans and advice, access to our members only area of our website and full email support where you can ask any nutrition related questions.

For more information and to sign up to our free newsletter visit: www.player-pal.com

#BETHEGAMECHANGER

you, as well as instructions on how to track them. It also covers advice on what to eat and when to improve your performance.

Furthermore, Player-Pal will send you weekly emails with meal plans, recipes and advice, which are all specific to nutrition, football and performance. You can even print off shopping lists or order directly from our link to the supermarket.

In short, Player-Pal is a nutrition advice service.

Whatever level you play at, fundamentally nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to significantly improve your game.

We can assist with you becoming that tenth of a second faster to score that goal or make that last ditch tackle, having concentration levels to tuck that penalty away or make that save, or having the energy left in the last few minutes of extra time to keep pushing when the other team are on their knees; this is what separates the winners from the losers!

When you sign up to Player-Pal, we will send you a personalised booklet with your own individual nutrition programme. It includes calorie, macro (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and hydration targets all specific to

Poor knowledge of food and drinks

Inadequate cooking skills

Poor choices when shopping or dining out

Poor or outdated sports nutrition knowledge

Frequent travel

Inadequate time to obtain or consume appropriate foods

Inadequate finances

Indiscriminate use of supplements and sports foods

Educates footballers on what to eat and when

Recipes and videos to help improve cooking skills

Educates footballers to help them make the right choices when shopping or dining out

Is based on FIFA recommendations and the latest scientific research

Advice on dealing with travel, packing the right food and making choices on the move

Helps players save time by having their meals planned out and the ability to order ingredients, delivered to their door, from the supermarket**

At less than £5* per week, Player-Pal will help you make the right performance nutrition choices saving players the money of making expensive mistakes

Player-Pal is not a supplement company and does not promote their excessive use. If players decide they want to take supplements, Player-Pal will offer unbiased advice where appropriate

Nutrition related problems face by Footballers(Adapted from FIFA/F-Marc’s “Nutrition for Football”updated Jan 2010)

How Player-Pal solves these problems

Become an Elite

Applying is simple. Firstly, you will need to complete a trial process in order for us to gauge your ability. Whilst it isn’t a necessity, we do prefer those that have had involvement within professional set ups or county/district experience.

To register for this, all you need to do is visit our website and complete the online application form. You will then be emailed the full details of when your trial will take place.

To date, we have trialled over 300 applicants, so we advise early registration as once our twenty-five places have been offered, we cannot accept any more.

Please note: we limit each of our trial dates to a maximum of sixty-four players to ensure participants are given a thorough edsv experience.

Applying

Become an Elite

Boys Tuesday 17th February 2015 Tuesday 7th April 2015

Girls Thursday 19th February 2015 Thursday 9th April 2015

All trial dates will have the same layout as the following:

10am Registration (Head for Main Reception)10:30am Player’s Briefing11am Trial2:30pm De-Brief

Please bring:

Black ShortsBlack SocksShin PadsMoulded Boots or AstrosFluidsWarm clothing

Trial Dates

Should you have any further questions that haven’t been answered by either this brochure or our website then please contact us on the below email address and a member of our staff will be in touch.

Male enquiries: edsv@oaklands.ac.ukFemale enquiries: edsvladies@oaklands.ac.uk

Oaklands College St Albans CampusHatfield Road St AlbansHertfordshireAL4 0JA

01727 735729 www.edsvacademy.com

Contact Details

@edsvacademy#allin

FAQs

Are there fees involved with the academy?There are fees, yes. These are currently under review so we cannot state an exact amount just yet. these will be made clear at your trial.

Am I allowed to play for my current clubs and be a part of the edsvacademy?Our only request is that you make yourselves available for our midweek college fixtures, nothing else. If you wish to continue playing for your current teams then we have no issues with this.

Can I be a part of the edsvacademy but stay at my current school?No. You will need to be looking to study at one of our centres to be a part of this programme.

Am I guaranteed games if I join?We guarantee an extensive training programme where our best student athletes play, we don’t guarantee games. Team selections are based on both academic and football performance.

What competition is there for places in the teams?We have a maximum of forty-eight boys and twenty-four girls within the academy. We then aim to recruit on a rough ratio of four players to each position.

What leagues would I play in?We compete in three leagues. Our 1st & 2nd XI’s participate within the Association of College’s League. We then run a side in the Herts County School Association League for players that may be returning from injury or aren’t featuring in our first two teams.

www.edsvacademy.com01727 735729

edsv@oaklands.ac.uk