The Woking FC Football Academy

Woking FC have run a Youth team for many years. However, in 2003 the Club established a collaboration with Woking College with the express aim of helping talented young footballers to make progress in their sporting careers whilst continuing with their academic studies. The programme generally involves studying for the BTEC National Diploma in Sport alongside a regime of high-intensity football training.

The scheme includes 6 hours of coaching per week by fully-qualified UEFA 'A' licence coaches and the chance to complete coaching, referee and first aid courses. At the same time, the BTEC National Diploma course is a nationally-recognised qualification which opens up options for a number of careers, including physiotherapy, sports coaching, sports development, the fitness profession or sports teaching. Alternatively, students may opt to continue their studies by attending University.

Since its inception in 2003 the newly-structured Academy has been hugely successful (see achievements below). We have seen some good local talent emerge. Contracts have been awarded to players coming through the youth team each year as follows:

2004-05 Phil Parsons.

2005-06 Sam Cockerill and Matt Ruby ( Lee Allum and Alex McGregor played for the 1st team but were not offered contracts ).

2006-07 Matt Ruby, Sam Cockerill, Giuseppe Sole, Jerome Maledon, Aaron Howe.

2007-08 Matt Ruby, Giuseppe Sole, Jerome Maledon, David Shin. (Ross Worner, 17, has also played for the 1st team.)

In an attempt to build on that success, starting in September 2007 the Club has expanded the Youth programme by establishing a second Academy in collaboration with Guildford College / Merrist Wood. Both Colleges will operate on a similar basis, with teams playing in the U18 Southern Youth League and the U19 Football Conference Youth League.

For the latest SYL results and table click on http://www.syl.org.uk/west.htm

For the latest FCYL results and table click on http://www.fcyl.co.uk/

Youth Academy Achievements 2006-07

U18 Surrey FA Midweek Invitation Cup Winners (retained from the previous year).
U18 Southern Youth League West Division Champions (won 3 years running).
U18 Surrey FA Youth Challenge Cup Winners (retained from the previous year).
U18 FA Youth Cup: won through to the Second Round Proper for the third year in a row.
U19 Football Conference Youth League Southern Division Champions (retained from the previous year).
U19 Football Conference Youth League National Champions.

Football Trials for Woking Academy

Trials for next year's Academy intake (September 2008) will be held in the New Year, so if you were born between 1st Sept 1991 and 31st August 1992 and wish to register your interest make a diary note to call Dennis North on 01932 883880 in January 2008.