Notts County Football Club

Central College Nottingham run a Sport Performance and Excellence course for 16 to 19-year-olds, which is part of the youth team scholarship programme at Meadow Lane.

As part of the relationship, students that excel will be recommended for a trial at club, just like Under-18 striker Colby Bishop, who has been involved with the first team squad only months after earning a deal. 

Manager Shaun Derry hopes that Colby is the first of many players recommended by the college to earn a place in the youth team squad. 

He said: “This relationship has been ongoing between our Academy manager Mick Leonard and the College for a couple of years now and we are delighted to have established an official link.

“As a local lad, I know the importance of developing strong ties with the community and we are confident that this arrangement can be to the benefit of both parties.”

Head of football at Central College Nottingham Ray Power added: “The link with Notts County FC is a great opportunity for our players, especially those who are keen to get into the professional game and feel that their opportunity has been missed.

“Over the past two years, we have had a number of players train and play for the club’s youth team, most notably Colby Bishop, who joined the college programme in 2013 and soon went on to sign for the club.

“It’s an ideal opportunity for local boys who think they have what it takes to train full time, apply themselves and potentially take a step forward in their footballing career. 

“We back up the football programme with a three A-Level BTEC education and vocational qualifications to ensure that all players leave the programme with a positive outcome.” 

Think you have what it takes? For more information about the course, click here. 

For more information, contact Ray Power on ray.power@centralnottingham.ac.uk or call 0115 914 6189.