Elite Shadow Scholarship Programme- "Information Pack"

CAMBRIDGE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB ELITE SHADOW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM I N F O R M AT I O N PA C K

MESSAGE FROM THE

ACADEMY MANAGER Our Academy Vision is something that we as staff do our upmost to achieve day in and day out: To create an ENVIRONMENT where our players can ACHIEVE their HIGHEST LEVEL both on and off the pitch What could this mean for you?

Could this be that you are offered a place to progress through our pathway into the Academy like Harry Darling and Tom Knowles have done over recent years and play in our 1st Team?

Could this be that you are awarded a triple star distinction in your academic grades and progress through to plan in the non league system?

Could it be that you carry your grades through to University in the UK or overseas?

What you achieve and where your highest level takes you will ultimately be down to you. However, we believe that you increase your chances of achievement by creating relationships that are conducive to you learning as much as you can along your journey as well as making it an enjoyable one!

Being UNITED as an Academy is so important for everyone to achieve their highest level. There is an old saying, that states ‘if you want to go somewhere quick, go alone. But if you want to go somewhere far, go together’. I would like to think that that’s what we are all about as an Academy.

We feel we have a really hard working group of staff who will always put the needs of each individual before anything else, so in order for you to progress – use all the resources that you have both at home and at the Academy.

We are here to help and will do all we can to support you both on and off the pitch.

Our Elite Scholarship program in conjunction with Cambridge Regional College has been running for over a decade now and it continues to go from strength to strength.

We feel we have a environment which blends education and football really well and by each going hand in hand, makes our Elite Scholarship a great place for those invited to improve with their football and academic studies.

Good luck!

Tom Pell Academy Manager

MESSAGE FROM THE

PROGRAM MANAGER At Cambridge United we work in partnership with Cambridge Regional College to provide an educational program that offers unique opportunities for students & players around a 40 mile radius of Cambridge. Our college program is truely established, with over 10+ years of professional delivery from our qualified coaches, expirenced educational tutors & excellent facilities at Queens & Robinson College that’s provides the best possible pitches for the players.

We currently have teams competing in the National Football Youth League, which has a proven track record for producing players that have earnt themselves professional contracts & play regualry in the football league- the league has provided an further challenge for aspiring players to continue there development. Alongside the National Football Youth League we have teams competeing in the EFL South East one/two sections where we have fixtures against Luton, Southend, MK Dons alongside many more. Last of all we also take part in the British College League (AOC).

Alongside football we provide a Btec National Sports Diploma qualification at CRC College which gives the students areas of education that can provide opportunities for future careers, work experiences, University roots after successfully completing the course. The link between both the college & football club is a very close colabartaion where we work very closely to enable us to provide a greater program for the students where making the students a more rounded person sits at the top of the tree.

Weather recently released from CUFC, playing at a grassroots club- I urge you to get in touch if you feel this course would be benefical to you or your son- We hold open sessions, trial games, college open days where you can get a taste of what we look to provide on a daily basis, an insight into the facilites provided or find out the educational pathway.

If you want an ENVIRONMENT where our players can ACHIEVE their HIGHEST LEVEL both on and off the pitch we can help enable you the best environment to work towards your goal.

Marc Abbott Elite Scholarship Manager

UNITED IN E N D E AV O U R The Cambridge United motto is ‘United in Endeavour’ It is achieved by everyone working together on and off the pitch. When you are part of Cambridge United the minimum requirement is maximum effort, from both staff and players.

Our motto highlights the necessity for us to be a unified club, gaining strength through working collaboratively.

E N V IR ON ME N T

CAMBRIDGE UNITED VISION

A C HIE V E

To create an environment where our players can achieve their highest level both in football and in life

HIG HE ST LE V E L

ACADEMY VISION To create an environment where our players can achieve their highest level both in football and in life

E N V IR ON ME N T

ACHIE VE

HIG HE ST LE V E L

Positive

‘United’

Commitment

Passionate

Relationships

Performance

Professional

Ambitious

Opportunity

ACADEMY VA L U E S As an Academy we strive to create a development programme that shares the values and vision of the club to foster a learning environment based on our core values of:

Hard Work, Honesty, Discipline, Trust and Respect We aim to maintain, continually review and improve our practice so that our young players are offered the best programme possible to allow them to be the best they can be. The philosophy is centred on the creation of an environment where all aspects of the Academy programme are challenging and inspirational.

CAMBRIDGE UNITED ACADEMY PHILOSOPHY Our teams will play with an emphasis on penetrating attacking football that dominates the midfield.

We will focus on: forward passing, forward running and forward thinking wherever possible. We will try to press the ball as high up the pitch as the game allows and be flexible in our team shapes.

Our players must be competent in tight areas and are challenged to be a match

winner through destroying, creating and goalscoring.

They must develop good game understanding in possession, out of possession and in transition to enable them to progress through the performance pathway.

We are not rigid tactically. Our football philosophy is not restricted to a particular system. Our football philosophy is all about principles of play that remain constant but can be implemented through different formations and systems.

CAMBRIDGE UNITED PRINCIPLES OF P L AY The academies playing philosophy is broken down clearly through our Cambridge United principles of play.

The main emphasis in our principles of play are; - Build or Break Press or Drop - Dominating Centrally - Forward Passing, Forward Running, Forward Thinking.

The principles of play will be consistent throughout the age groups.

The formations and shapes of the team can be flexible but the principles will remain the same. The principles of play will allow the coaches to help develop the Match Winner in both the training and games programme.

To help break the principles down into our training curriculum we have Destroyer Principles, Creator Principles, and Goalscorer Principles for the coaches to work from.

C O M

D

D O

STOP / BLOCK CROSSES

O

DEFENDING YOUR BOX

M

M

STOP / BLOCK CROSSES

I

I

M

N

N

A

A

I

T

T

T

E

E

T

R

C

C

A

E

E

R

N

N

P

T

T

R

R

A

A

Y

L

L

S

L

L

Y

Y

T P H

I

L L Y

A P

CROSS EARLY or

GO 1v1

FREE IT WIDE

R G E

H E

FIND A WAY IN

(Combinations / Rotation / Creative Play) or

O

A

SET TRAPS / FORCE WIDE

C A

F

A CROSS EARLY

COMPOSED FINISHING

FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS – CONSISTENT PRINCIPLES

or

GO 1v1

D

CAMBRIDGE UNITED A C A D E M Y C U LT U R E

O WNE R SHI P

TR U ST

SE L F-STA RTE R S

B E S T

CAMBRIDGE UNITED B E H AV I O U R S P L AY E R

C U LT U R E

PRE -

Players are well fuelled, hydrated and prepared.

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Arrive looking smart, bright eyed, and ready to play.

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Engage in conversation with players and staff.

DURING -

Do your best.

P R A C T I C E

B E H AV I O U R S

PRE -

Eat a healthy meal / snack before playing to give you adequate energy levels.

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Sip water throughout the day to remain hydrated.

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Pack all your kit and equipment including a drinks bottle.

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Arrive before the meet time.

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Arrive in CUFC tracksuit for games.

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No jewellery, sliders and headphones when wearing the CUFC badge on your chest.

DURING -

Focus on your development.

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Control the controllable – Leave the ref alone.

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Stay in the green.

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Commit physically.

POST

POST

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Shower after all games and all PDP training sessions.

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Leave looking smart and bright eyed.

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Engage in conversation with players and staff.

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Engage in conversation with players and staff.

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Review your performance and IDP’s.

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Review and reflect.

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Leave in CUFC tracksuit after games.

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Refuel and rehydrate.

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No jewellery, sliders or headphones when wearing the CUFC badge

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Eat a healthy meal / snack as soon as possible after play.

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Sip water to rehydrate following play.

E D U C AT I O N “Allowing the students to gain the most knowledge throughout there time studying at CRC"

MESSAGE FROM THE

LEAD TUTOR

Since the Elite Scholarship began we have always prided ourselves on providing an outstanding education alongside excellent coaching and football development. We have tailored our programme so that it gives players the perfect mix of education and training. Education to take them to their next level of learning or employment and training to improve their football ability, fitness and experiences.

We expect the same attitude in our classrooms as on the football pitch. This helps to create a positive learning environment where our students will thrive with excellent achievement, attendance and behaviour.

If you want an ENVIRONMENT where our players can ACHIEVE their HIGHEST LEVEL both on and off the pitch we can help enable you the best environment to work towards your goal.

Tom Hall

Lead Course Tutor

E D U C AT I O N A N D TRAINING MODEL

FU L L TI ME MO DE L

C L A SSR O O M L E A R NI NG

VI RTU A L L E A R NI NG

ELITE SHADOW SCHOLARSHIP COACHES Marc Abbott: Currently leads the educational program, as programs

manager. Previously a student at Cambridge Regional College - who now works full time at Cambridge United Football Club. Marc is also an U12 Academy coach at the club. Currently manages at non league side Haverhill Rovers, previously experiencing a spell at partner club

Ash Taylor: Currently is a coach in the Female section, where he has

St Neots Town. Holds a UEFA B license & completed all the relevant

began the role this season 2020/21. Also works in the community

Youth Modules.

side of the clubs assisting on matchdays, soccer schools as an example. Ash is the March Town U18 coach in the Thurlow Nunn

Chris Munday: Another one of our coaches who currently heads up

floodlight league- where a handful of the current intake are currently

the Elite program from U9 - U16. The program has numerous venues

playing.

including Newmarket, Bottisham, Baldock, Linton. The centres have a strategic schedule that creates a clear pathway into the Academy set up, where players continually get opportunities to play or train within the Academy environment. Working towards he’s UEFA B, where the knowledge gained is supporting the players on the Elite program.

Dan Kimber: A previous student, gaining a triple distinction star in

the National Sports Diploma in September 2020. Currently a GK specialist coach on our college program & also coaches a a number of venues for the RDC Goalkeepers in the youth phase. Dan has

Rhys Shulver: Rhys, currently is a part time member of staff - having

shown the correct work ethic to become part of our coaching team.

joined the Elite Scholarship program in September 2019. At the age

A perfect opportunity to gain further experience in a professional

of 23 has experienced lots of valuable coaching time in America

environment.

where he spent over a year in the country delivering. Rhys has been involved in EJA football locally working with a variety of age groups to aid he’s personal development.

ONE GREAT COLLEGE

TRANSPORT- ROUTES

E L I T E S C H O L A R S H I P T I M E TA B L E

AGE

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

AM

9am – 11.30am Training Queens & Robinsons

9am – 11.30am Training Queens & Robinsons

Fixture day

Online Learning

OFF

PM

1pm – 4.30pm Education Cambridge Regional College

1pm – 4.30pm Education Cambridge Regional College

National Football Youth League EFL - South East 1 EFL - South East 2 British College - AOC British College - AOC Girls

10:00 - 1:30

OFF

E D U C AT I O N

” W H AT W E O F F E R ” BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA- SPORTS STUDIES

LEVEL 3- 2 YEAR COURSE LEADING TO UNIVERSITY OR CAREERS

LEVEL 2- 1 YEAR COURSE WITH PROGRESSION TO LEVEL 3 10 UNITS ACOSS 1 YEAR

12 UNITS ACROSS 2 YEARS

5 GCSE’S AT GRADE (4) OR ABOVE

DEVELOPING COACHING SKILLS

3 GCSE’S AT GRADE 3 (D) OR ABOVE

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

SPORTS PERFORMANCE

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY SPORTS PERFORMANCE (EXAM)

CAREERS IN SPORT & ACTIVE LEARNING

APPLIED COACHING SKILLS

CAREERS IN SPORT & ACTIVE LEISURE

PRACTICAL LAND BASED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

INJURY & THE SPORTS PERFORMER

SPORTS NUTRITION

SPORTING INJURIES

PSYCHOLOGY

FITNESS FOR SPORT & EXERCISE (EXAM)

DESIGNING EXERCISE PROGRAMMES

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

FITNESS TESTING

INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SPORT

PRACTICAL SPORTS PERFORMANCE

LEADING SPORTS ACTIVITES

TRAINING FOR PERSONAL FITNESS

RUNNING A SPORTS EVENT

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF CAREERS Visit our careers coach website to explore the different careers available, what you might get paid and take a quick questionnaire to see what careers might suit you best.

www.camre.ac.uk/careerscoach

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT EARN £28, 500 AS A SPORTS L OFFICIA

MEDIA

HIGHER EDUCATION University

Marketing

Level 4/5

Coach

American Scholarships

Referee

Sports Reporter Photographer/ Videographer

Teacher

Event Organisation

Physical Education Instructor Strength and Conditioning Coach Scout

Agent Accountant/ Finance Manager Club Shop Manager Clubs Development Manager

Sports Analyst

CAREER MAP:

CAMBRIDGE ELITE SCHOLARSHIP

Club Shop Manager Sports Tour Operator

BUSINESS SUPPORT 0 AS A EARN £32, 00 PIST PHYSIOTHERA

Physiotherapist Nutritionist Personal Trainer

Groundsman Facilities Stadium Manager Security/Stewarding

STADIUM MANAGEMENT , 000 EARN £46 SS INE AS A BUS MENT DEVELOP R MANAGE

Sports Psychologist Sports Therapist

HEALTH & WELLBEING

EARN £37, 000 AS A PR PROFE SSIONAL

Visit our Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance team in the Hub and they can help you explore what careers could be right for you and how to get into them.

CAMBRI DG E UN I T ED ACADEMY PAT HWAY

U19 - U21 (SPDP) U17 - U18 (PDP) U12 - U16 (YDP)

U9 - U11 (FP) U6 – U8 (Pre-Academy)

1st Team

CAMBRI DG E UN I T ED ELIT E PAT HWAY

U17 - U19 (CRC Scholarship)

Semi Pro / Education

U15 - U16 (1 Venue) U13 - U14 (2 Venues) U9 - U12 (4 Venues)

U6 – U8 (Pre-Academy)

U7 – U14 Regional Development Centres

P L AY E R PAT H W AY

NO TWO JOURNEY’S ARE THE SAME Every single player will have a different start, middle and end point of their football career. It is important to understand that no journey will be the same.

You may have joined the Academy at a young age progressing through our Pre-Academy, or you may have joined our program later into the Youth Development Phase after excelling in grassroots football.

However you got to this point, it is personal to you. This uniqueness will continue with you along your footballing pathway.

All you can do throughout the process is control the controllables …

We will always look to challenge and stretch our players in a number of ways both on and off the pitch as this is where ‘growth and development’ takes place.

So remember - attack every challenge, whether that be dealing with disappointment or dealing with success, do this with the same level of commitment and always remember to give it your all.

In wanting players to take responsibility for their own development, if there is ever anything you are unsure on or want to know the rationale behind a decision by a staff member… just ask!

'Knowlesy’ was identified and asked to attend a CUFC

Regional Development Centre (RDC) before being offered a place in our Academy. Tom then left the Academy at the end of his U12 season, whilst continuing in the Elite Centre program. Impressing in his Elite Scholarship whilst also playing for Newmarket Town, Tom was then offered a full Scholarship with the Club prior to then excelling and being offered a subsequent professional contract. Tom was then sold to Yeovil

P L AY ER JOURNEYS

Town in the National League in November 2020.

Harry was signed with the Academy at U11. During a sustained period off the pitch

through injury Harry decided to leave the Academy at U14 to regain match minutes playing locally for Newmarket Town FC. When Harry left school he then joined our Elite Scholarship program in conjunction with Cambridge Regional College. Not long

We will always voice the importance of all players

after he was promoted into our full time Scholarship program and then eventually was offered a professional contract after impressive performances as Youth Team captain.

remaining focused on their own development journey as no two pathways are the same. There are many different highs and lows along the way; here are some examples of a few of our Academy/ Elite graduates from recent years.

Tom, was part off our Elites program from U11s- U16s before moving into the Elite Shadow Scholarship (year 2 student) Tom currently has extra activity at non league side Haverhill Rovers who play at Step 5 in the Thurlow Nunn. Whilst studying at Cambridge Regional College, training & playing we felt for the nessasary development playing men’s football will benefit Tom’s qualities at a quicker rate of progression.

GAMES PROGRAM

OFFERING DIFFERENT CHALLENGES One of our aims for the program is to create the most competitive games programme possible for our players.

This will look different for each group, but we want to be in a position to offer our players a wide range of fixtures from who you play against, where you play, what surface you play on and the challenges they may include.

Some weeks you may be playing in our EFL South East one fixture program against the likes of Southend United, Luton Town and AFC Wimbledon for example. In addition to that, some weekends you could be playing against some of the biggest programs in the UK in the National Football Youth league against the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs, Norwich City, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace.

As well as travelling up and down the country to play against some of the most thriving programs, we feel it is equally important to experience different types of fixtures against local private academy teams where again you will find yourself experiencing different challenges and having to try and find solutions in order to develop your game further.

Lastly, you will also experience during your time in the Elite Shadow Scholarship playing in internal fixtures against the full time Academy Scholars as well.

This might be on grass 11v11, it maybe on astro-turf 11v11 and it maybe indoor in a sports hall 5v5. The surface will be varied depending on the fixture provided to the players.

Our aim at Cambridge United Elite Shadow Scholarship is to enable the players to expirence a variety of fixtures not just in the UK but also abroad on pre arranged tours - recently participating in tours in Spain, Dubai

TOUR PROGRAMME In addition to a games programme we believe that having a diverse tour programme is also hugely beneficial to you as players. The map on the right is a breakdown of the regions we have toured in Germany attending tournaments in the last 3-5 years featuring at prestiguse tournaments in Spain, Dubai, Holland to name a few.

A recent tour attended was the MIC CUP in Spain, being in a competeive tournament with the likes of Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid, Barcelona was an opportunity to see the qualities at the top European clubs.

You will also expirence numerous stadium tours, UK tours where this will be more social learning whilst enjoying the sport we love.

In order to run an effective tour programme we look to manage bookings and flights to guarantee the best possible price. We will be offering payment plans and different options to ensure that this is feasible to you as parents whilst also handling player insurance and everything you would usually think about whilst travelling!

T R A I N I N G A N D M AT C H KIT AND EQUIPMENT All players will be provided with training kit & a match kit for fixtures In order to purchase your training kit please contact Marc Abbott who will send you an online order form.

CAMBRIDGE UNITED

ELITE SCHOLAR VENUES Abbey Stadium, Newmarket Rd, Cambridge, CB5 8LN Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road, CB4 2QT Queens and Robinsons Sports Ground, CB3 9LL Haverhill Rovers, Chalkstone Way, CB9 0AW

F R E Q U E N T LY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I order kit?

There is a kit booking form you can fill in with the relevant sizing, you can give cash/cheque to the relevant coach or you can buy the kit from the online store via a link.

How do I enroll onto the course/ college?

You can contact thall.camre.ac.uk a Cambridge Regional College lead course tutor who will send all the further details. However if you are an Elite or Academy player please feel free to contact marc.abbott@cambridge-united.co.uk who will also be able to assist with any enquires.

How do I book a physio appointment?

You must inform your lead phase coach you are requesting a physio appointment. In order to book your appointment email marc.abbott@cambridge-united.co.uk or the respective lead physio on the program.

What qualifications will you gain on completion of the Btec National Diploma?

When completing the Level 2, this will be the equivalent to 4 GCSE’s- this will involve 2 exams to be taken. Whereas the Level 3 will enable you to be awarded 3 A Levels & would not require an exam to be taken.

F R E Q U E N T LY ASKED QUESTIONS

(CONT)

How do I report any safeguarding concerns?

In order to report a safeguarding concern you can contact any member of staff with which you feel comfortable informing. They will then take the necessary steps with the Head of Academy Operations and Safeguarding to ensure your concern is handled appropriately.

Can I play for another team?

We encourage our players to play in all types of games and expierence U18/ Reserve or first team football at Non League clubs locally to the player. On occasions matches may clash, however we would advise clear communication with the coaches, manager to avoid fixtures clashes.

Can my son/ daughter re sit Maths or English?

We encourage students to re take the specific subjects. This will lead you onto the level 3 course on completion of the level 2 Sports Studies.

Can parents watch matches- home or away?

We do welcome parents to watch fixtures home or away, feel free to attend to support your child.

What do I do if I cannot make training or a match?

Please contact your lead phase coach however if you cannot make a fixture on short notice then please ensure you call the relevant coach to inform them

R E L E VA N T C O N TA C T I N F O R M AT I O N

Marc Abbott

CRC Programs Manager

marc.abbott@cambridge-united.co.uk

07587 747911

Chris Munday

Elite Centre Manager

chris.munday@cambridge-united.co.uk

07921 924761

Tom Hall

Cambridge Regional College Tutor

thall@camre.ac.uk

07540 227819

James McCabe

Cambridge Regional College Tutor

james.mccabe@camre.ac.uk

07738 979666

Kit Brunswick

Head of Safeguarding

kit.brunswick@cambridge-united.co.uk

Pete Gill

Head of Academy Coaching

pete.gill@cambridge-united.co.uk

@CRCCUFC