Following a successful first year of Notts County FC’s Futsal Scholarship, trials have been launched for next September’s batch of cohorts.
The Scholarship is designed to develop footballers, giving them the chance to play for Notts County FC in the futsal league.
The Scholarship is also extremely popular with footballers who are keen to start playing again after a break and improving their fitness levels; as well producing future referees and coaches.
Current weekend and Sunday League footballers are still able to play and stay fully committed to their current teams, with the Scholarship running from Monday-Friday, with Thursdays off and games taking place in Birmingham every-other Wednesday.
But this Scholarship has one big benefit for their footballers, they will be able develop their skill with us and then take it back to their chosen team at the weekends.
Futsal is a fast paced, technical and highly skilled 5-a-side game that is becoming very popular in the UK and is a key part of the FA’s plans to improve skill levels within English football once more.
The Notts County FC Scholarship has been running for a year, with two of its players being called up to play for the England Under-20s Futsal Team.
Players who are selected for the Scholarship will benefit by developing their futsal skills and footballing ability. Their fitness and speed will increase with improved ball control and more accurate shooting.
Notts County FC Midfielder Jeff Hughes supports the Scholarship: “The Notts County Futsal Scholarship is perfect for young and aspiring footballers, as it allows you to train and compete for Notts County FC’s futsal team during the week, develop your skills and play for your chosen 11-a-side team at the weekend.”
The Scholarship also delivers a first class education to players. They study a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness) that is worth 3 A Levels, providing scholars with a qualification that could help them continue onto a career in the sports industry or University. The Scholarship is available to 16 to 18 year olds, however in this instance the trials will be for 15 to 17 year olds, to help us pinpoint future talent.
Notts County Scholar and England player Dylan Newton-Harris said: “It’s a really enjoyable sport and improves your fitness, your ability and you’re representing a professional team. So it’s a really proud achievement.”
Notts County Scholar and England player Sam Raynor said: “I think Notts fans and young footballers should take up futsal because it gives you an opportunity to achieve, not just qualifications and learn more skills in other areas, such as coaching football and futsal, as well as leadership.”
Trials for boys are on: Thursday 23 May and Friday 28 June
Trials for girls are on: Thursday 27 June
Location: Jesse Boot Wildcats Arena, Greenwood Road, Nottingham, NG3 7EB
Time: 5pm until 7pm [it’s free]
Register: on 0115 955 7215 or email info@nottscountyfitc.org.uk.