Excellence Pathway: Academy, Shadow Academy and Regional Development Centres
THE ACADEMY Starting at the Under 9s and progressing right through to Under 18s, academy players are selected from those that have excelled within the shadow academy. The academy philosophy is to ‘develop the person as well as the player’. The club recognises that most players that set out on the path of playing football will not become a professional player, but they will become young citizens. Through a detailed coaching syllabus and highly qualified and experienced staff Cambridge United aims to develop the ‘person’ and ‘player’ across the four corners: Social, Psychological, Physical and Technical/Tactical. The ultimate aim is to try and develop young people to play for the Cambridge United first team, ensuring that every child that comes into contact with the club has a great experience and memories for life. SHADOW ACADEMY Made up of approximately 250 children aged between Under 7s and Under 16s, and regionalised into a North and South Squad, players at this stage of the Cambridge United excellence pathway are aiming to gain a place in the club’s academy.
National course in Sport Studies over two years for children aged between 16 and 18 years old. Participating in the British College National League and Cup competitions on a weekly basis, the shadow academy also train six hours a week. The scheme combines full-time education with football training, and can increase further educational opportunities such as university to participants. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES The club currently coaches approximately 1,000 children at 16 Regional Development Centres (RDCs), which are all located within a 50-mile radius of Cambridge. The RDCs train once a week, working to a syllabus based on an individual, and play in matches during the school holidays. Children who excel within the Community Football Programme or when engaging with Community Sport & Trust sessions will be identified by our Community coaches and selected to enter the excellence pathway at this stage.
In partnership with Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge United also offers a Shadow Scholarship Scheme, which opens up the opportunity to complete a BTEC
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