(06/06/06)

Pete Garston has taken time out to look into the workings of the Millwall Academy and updates us with his findings.

The main aim of the Millwall Academy is to produce players of a standard good enough to get into the first team. The Academy has produced numerous players who have broken through into the first team in the last two years in particular. Home grown players who featured last season include: Marvin Williams, Will Hendry, Dean Pooley, Tony Craig, Marvin Elliott, Curtis Weston, Barry Cogan, Trevor Robinson, Alan Dunne, Mark Phillips, Paul Robinson, Ben May, Kevin Braniff.Prior to that, Millwall's track record in bringing through quality youngsters is second to none. The previous crop featured, amongst others: Peter Sweeney, Paul Ifill, Tim Cahill, Steven Reid, Richard Sadlier, Joe Dolan.

The Academy is currently run by five full-time staff. These are:

• Acting Academy Manager - Les Briley
• Under 18s Coach - Alan McLeary
• Education and Welfare Officer - Tony Sowerby
• Secretary - Karen Wilson
• Physio - Colin Clifford

They are supported by part-time coaches, physios, scouts and parent liaisons

The Academy take boys on from U9s upwards. Those below this age are monitored to see if they are good enough for the Academy. There are 10 teams featuring approximately 150 youngsters. Each team trains 3 times per week, the training lasting for 90 minutes from 5.30 - 7.00pm Weekdays and 9.30-11.00 Saturdays. Each team has a coach, physio and access to pastoral care in the form of the Education and Welfare Officer for both players and their families.

At 16 if selected, the player signs on as an Academy scholar. There are normally 8 per year who are taken on. Others who are let go are given assistance in finding another club, or work.

The successful scholars sign a 2 year contract which entails the following:

1. Educational course at either A Level or GCSE level
2. Level 3 NVQ
3. Level 2 Coaching Badge
4. 5 key skills certificates

Scholars do not finish when the season is over, as they have to complete their education courses.

Out of the current crop who have just signed there are 3 internationals (2 Irish & 1 English)

When the playing season ends the Academy then needs to prepare for the next season, arranging training programmes, training venues, attending various compulsory courses, scouting at tournaments, arranging kit for the new season, arranging trials for released boys, registering all existing boys, checking passes for staff and child protection cover, getting sponsorship for Academy teams etc.

The Academy is audited by the Premier League, and just under 20% of the funding comes from them and Sport England. From next season grant funding will be from Premier League, Football Association and Football Foundation.To comply with League regulations we need to complete an extensive overview of the Academy activity for the year.