College launches new football academy in conjunction with ex-Stoke City captain

Stafford College, part of the Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), has launched a brand new Football Academy headed up by ex-Stoke City captain, Andy Griffin.

Since its inception in 2016, the Andy Griffin Football Academy (AGFA) has gone from strength to strength and following three successful years at Newcastle College, the programme will launch at the Stafford College campus for students joining the College in September 2019.

AGFA is a two-year programme for young players who have aspirations to play football at a high level or work in the football industry but also appreciate the importance of their education.

Recruitment for this intensive programme has now commenced, with the course aimed at youngsters who are currently playing at a high club level, involved in county trials or at a professional football academy and who are wanting to study for A Levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching, Development and Fitness. In addition to a robust academic timetable, students will participate in football coaching throughout the week, including training sessions and a weekly game. Each player will also receive an Individual Player Plan to develop fitness, strength and conditioning, a fully branded kit and tracksuit*, gym membership, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietary advice, along with the opportunity to enjoy international tours, games against professional clubs, visits to top sports universities and St George’s Park, home of the English FA.

At the helm of the Academy is Head Coach Andy Griffin, ex-Premiership footballer and former Stoke City Captain who played at Champions League level with Newcastle United and for England at under-18 and under-21 levels. He has the benefit of working with some of the games most recognised and flamboyant managers including Sir Bobby Robson, Kenny Dalglish, Harry Redknapp and Ruud Gullit and hopes to draw on this experience in his role.

Andy Griffin, Head Coach said: “After seeing growing student numbers and some very promising young players progress through the ranks at Newcastle College, I am delighted that we are able to replicate the programme at the Stafford College campus. I am looking for disciplined players with the right attitude, who are bright, keen and willing to work hard both on and off the pitch. We are holding a dedicated AGFA open evening at the Stafford College campus on Tuesday 11 December, 6.45pm – 8pm and would welcome prospective players and their parents to come along to find out more.”

Karen Dobson, Principal and Chief Executive at NSCG said: “NSCG has been recognised as one of the top colleges in the country for football development and we are very keen to continue developing grassroots footballing talent. We are continually looking for ways to enhance our provision and this brand new programme, fronted by an ex-Premiership player with Andy’s credentials, gives us a very unique and unrivalled offer. This is a tough programme requiring serious commitment both on the pitch and in the classroom.”

To find out more about the Andy Griffin Football Academy at NSCG visit www.nscg.ac.uk/sport or contact the Information Point on 01785 223800 or info.stafford@nscg.ac.uk.

*subject to a small cost