Once again it’s been a hugely exciting and successful season for our Sheffield FC Scholars. As we come to the close of our 5^th productive season, I am delighted to say that the opportunity we provide our scholars at Maltby Academy in conjunction with The World’s First Football Club, Sheffield FC, is a fantastic and unique opportunity for talented 16 – 18-year-old footballers, to secure a realistic pathway into Semi-Professional/Professional Football, whilst studying at a highly successful Post 16 Centre. The Sheffield Football Club Scholarship continues to be the leading Elite Football Development Programme in the local area and ensures that all students access a first class football experience, in addition to their Post 16 Education.

Our Scholars once again competed in the AOC Category 1 Colleges Football League which is the highest level of football for college students to take participate in. We finished in a well-respected 5^th position in the table which is a good return in such a competitive league. Additionally we retained the Rotherham Schools Cup for the fifth consecutive year defeating Wath Academy in the U18 Rotherham Cup Final.

This year our scholars have also experienced overseas football tours to Murcia and Germany.  Providing them with an opportunity to play abroad has been a great learning experience and an important tool in developing their technical and tactical ability. The scholars learned so much and benefited from playing and watching football a different style and culture. The Murcia football tour consisted of three training sessions and three football fixtures against carefully selected local Spanish opposition as well as access to all the facilities such as the fitness centre and spa facilities at the high quality Pinatar Football Centre.

Alongside the long positive season, which will conclude in the final academic term, our scholars have been given opportunities in a variety of enrichment opportunities. The students have participated in a university visit to York St John, American Scholarship Presentations and work experience in a variety of sporting industries, including working with Professional Football Clubs. Finally, our scholars participated in their FA Level One Coaching Award in February, where they all successfully completed their Level 1 Coaching Certificate. Another encouraging part of being a Sheffield FC Scholar!

Matt Higgins, the Scholarship Head Coach has been keen to express his delight in his team’s performance and attitude for the season.

“First of all I think it’s a fantastic achievement for our scholars to finish 5^th in the AOC Category 1 Colleges League and to retain the Rotherham area trophy for a fifth consecutive year and that is credit to all involved. In terms of our Scholars, what a fantastic advert they have been for under 18 football. They have played hard and competitive all season and have tried to play the game the right way. The quality on show this season has been evident to see with some excellent team and individual displays, but most importantly, the scholars have tried to implement our tactics and strategies from the training pitches and classroom onto the playing field. Our overseas football tours have also been an excellent learning experience for our young scholars and something that has helped us when returning to the UK. Seeing our scholars perform like they have done this season can only bode well for the future of Sheffield FC.”

Our Sheffield FC Scholarship squad has already started to take shape for the 2019/2020 football season with many different scholars signed up. It is positive to see so many players applying for the programme from a variety of backgrounds from Regional Talent Centres, Professional Academies, Development Teams and local schools and grassroots teams.

Any players who are interested in our Scholarship Programme and want to find out more of what we have to offer, please Contact: 

Matt Higgins
T: 07384 815 037

mhiggins@maltbyacademy.com or matt.higgins@sheffieldfc.com