Torquay United Youth Policy

Torquay United Youth Trainees

Every year Torquay United will take on a small number of Youth Trainees.These will be the players that have performed the best throughout the Youth Development Programme.These players will train with the first team and play in reserve, youth team and potentially first team fixtures.Their education will also be paramount and they will need to attend regular lessons on their chosen subject.The aim of programme is to prepare players for a professional contract with Torquay United.

The Educational Soccer Development Programme

The programme is formed by a partnership with Paignton Community College and Torquay United Football Club aimed to develop players from 16 -19 years old to become better players and a valued member of our community.The programme is designed to cater for the late developers in football and those want to explore other avenues of the football profession.

Ethics and Values

Both club and college are fully committed to give each player/student a meaningful education in conjunction with developing their football ability.This will therefore ensure that players who finish the programme without a professional contract will be able to contribute to the community as a result of their experiences and qualifications gained.

The programme is deliberately run differently to other 'scholarship' programmes as this gives students the opportunity to undertake an educational programme that suits them and not a course they are forced to join.

Structure of the Programme

·Players in the programme will form an 'A' and a 'B' squad which will be determined by their football ability.

·Players have the opportunity to be rewarded by gaining a place in the 'A' squad but also moved into the 'B' squad throughout the season.

·Every Wednesday there will be a fixture against other schools and colleges.

·The 'A' squad will form the Torquay United Youth Team and will play regular matches against other professional club's Youth Teams.

·Players have the opportunity to undertake whichever A Level, AS Level or BTEC qualifications they choose.

·The mornings will consist of lessons at Paignton Community College and the afternoons training with the Torquay United FC.

·For the elite players on the programme they will have the opportunity to play reserve team fixtures and on occasion train with the first team.

·Player/students will have the opportunity to gain their Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Coaching Football.

·A work experience programme is built into the scheme to give players a chance to gain valuable experience in the work place.The numerous departments of the football club will provideextensive opportunities for the players to learn about the everyday running of a professional football club.

·Players on the course will have the opportunity to be treated for injuries by Torquay United's physiotherapy staff to give them the best chance of a quick recovery.

·Torquay United's highly qualified coaches will coach the players on the programme and help them develop into players that could gain a professional contract.

·The highly respected staff at Paignton Community College will aid the player/students trough their academic programme and provide all the necessary support to help them achieve their academic potential.

The Torquay United Youth Development Programme

Prior to the Educational Soccer Development Programme is the Torquay United Youth Development Programme.There are seven teams in the programme running from Under 10s to Under 16s.The aim of the programme is to develop players through each age group to ensure they are ready to become a youth trainee or alternatively a member of the Educational Soccer Development Programme when they reach the age of 16.

Structure of the Programme

·Teams are run from Under 10 to Under 16, each team has their own qualified and experienced coach to develop them to reach their potential.

·Players are selected through trials at the football club and recommendations from the Torquay United Scouting network.

·Players will train once or twice a week dependant on their age and participate in matches against other professional football clubs youth teams.

·The Torquay United physiotherapy staff will maintain and rehabilitate players on the Youth Development Programme.

·Regular appraisals of each player will aid the process of physical, technical and mental development of the players to enhance their professionalism towards the game

·Guidance will be constantly available from coaches, physiotherapists, club figureheads as well as others at the football club who can aid the enjoyment and development of each player.

For more information on the Torquay United Youth Department please call 01803 315425 or alternatively email youth@torquayunited.com