BARNSLEY College has announced a new partnership which will provide an exciting new opportunity for students.
The college is working with 4G1 Player Development Football Academy which will allow students the chance to compete in a different league for the first time.
A college spokesperson said: “One of our male football academy teams will compete in the National Youth Football League against the likes of Sheffield United FC Education, Barnsley Shadow Scholars and Sheffield Wednesday FC Education.”
4G1 is a football academy/club that provides opportunities for players to bridge the gap between grassroots and professional clubs. They offer high quality coaching and competing in the Junior Premier recognised as a grassroots elite league across the country.
Luke Forgione, 4G1 owner and Sports Performance and Athlete Development Co-ordinator at the College, said: “I’m pleased that the college has agreed to work in collaboration formally with 4G1. Over the last 10 years the college has provided 4G1 a home, which has subsequently allowed 4G1 to provide high quality coaching.
“In those ten years I have developed a pathway for 4- to 16-year-olds, which has seen children progress into professional football, schoolboy and schoolgirl football, alongside county and USA scholarships and semi-professional football.
“During my time at the college, I have completed a MSc in Advanced Performance in Football and Coaching and a PGCE. I am a living example of what can be achieved when studying at the College.
“Over the last six years I have shaped and moulded a Football Academy at the college using my experience and knowledge from UEFA coaching qualifications and previous professional football clubs I have worked with. This knowledge has been shared with Barnsley College students and 4G1 members.
“It is really exciting the partnership will now grow and continue further as we look to provide children in our community and wider a fantastic opportunity to achieve sporting and academic excellence.”
