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Football Academy

The Victory Academy has partnered with APD to create a Football Academy for students joining our Sixth Form. This is great news for 15-16 year old boys in Medway and the surrounding areas who are keen footballers and wish to follow a career in sport – even becoming a Semi-Professional or Professional Footballer!

Football Academy students will attend The Victory Academy Sixth Form during the week, studying their choice from a range of two-year Level 3 qualifications (A Level or equivalent), including BTEC Sport. During the week they will be developing their footballing skills while training and playing under the guidance of UEFA Qualified Coaches.

Fitness Training will take in The Victory Academy’s stunning £23 Million school building – with pitches, and a Conditioning Suite with the latest technology, a Multi-Gym and Weights Centre.

There will also be weekly Under 18s matches with other teams across the Kent, plus the opportunity for added short-courses on Accredited F.A. and UEFA courses on Coaching, Refereeing, First Aid etc., and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

What is APD?

Founded by Director and Head Coach, Harry Watling in March 2013, APD was built upon the #PlaytheAPDway philosophy, which is an expansive and positive style of football that excites and engages with the modern game.

The APD way is not only manifested on the pitch but demands the players to have a hardworking attitude and respectful nature, off the pitch. APS’s company mission is to help aspiring young players bridge the gap between grassroots and professional academy football.

One of the ways we work towards that is by offering College and Sixth Form Football Academies. This offers players a chance to experience training like a full time pro, with weekly fixtures and showcase matches against Pro Academies whilst completing their A Levels, BTECs or IB.

APD Football Academy success story: Meet Eddie Allsopp

Eddie Allsopp attended one of our APD Sixth Forms, North Kent College, in 2016. He studied NCFE Sport Level 3 for two years whilst playing for the Football Academy team in the KSFA League on a Wednesday. During one of the APD Showcase matches against Charlton, Eddie was spotted by scouts and was signed by Charlton in October 2018. Eddie is one of our many players on the APD Hall of Fame… Could the next one be you?

Why this Football Academy? 

  • Rather than a Football Academy run by a specific club, APD has the ability to expose players to a range of clubs that suit and benefit the players’ needs and interests rather than the clubs.
  • The Victory Academy gives you a wide range of educational opportunities, both being complemented by full time football training.
  • The APD has highly experienced UEFA B License coaches who work for both APD and Academy clubs.
  • Added benefit of individual and team match analysis as well as recording every game for team analysis via group chat.
  • APD Tours to Showcase matches. The highest performing players will join the annual tours which take place in October half term to play against a range of different professional clubs.

What happens next?

  • Attend Year 10/11 training, which will start in January.
  • Ensure you are enrolled at The Victory Academy.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Email us on admin@advanceplayerdevelopment.co.uk