Sometimes things. Welcome. The accent, we felt, should be placed very deliberately on discovering and developing young players

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1 Season

2 Mission Statement Dedicated to encouraging talented young footballers to maximise their potential - on the field and on their pathway towards a future career - through a continuing drive for excellence in a professional environment. 2 3

3 The accent, we felt, should be placed very deliberately on discovering and developing young players Welcome Chairman Dave Mantle explains how discovering and developing talented young footballers - on and off the field - is right at the heart of Ilkeston FC s five-year plan. Sometimes things just come together in a neat and tidy fashion, almost as if they are meant to be, and that s how it happened in November 2010, when SR Education launched Ilkeston FC. Our company had been responsible for running the apprenticeship scheme for Ilkeston Town FC when they were liquidated some three months earlier, and the more we thought about it, the more it made sense for SR Education to bid to take over the facilities at the New Manor Ground and launch a brand new club. The accent, we felt, should be placed very deliberately on discovering and developing young players - offering a structured opportunity to build a career within football while enhancing educational qualifications at the same time. Kevin Wilson and I shared the same vision and we sat down and produced a five-year plan that was based on sound and sensible business principles, and had at its core the desire to develop good young players. Go young very quickly became established as our motto and although we exceeded expectations by winning promotion to the Premier Division of the Evo-Stik League in our first season, we have not - and will not - changed our thinking. We are delighted at the progress made so far by Ilkeston FC and because we have great faith in our unique business model, we firmly believe that we will continue to go from strength to strength. 4 Produced by Photography by portraitcollective.com and Robbie Stephenson 5

4 Our club & facilities Manager Kevin Wilson provides an overview of Ilkeston FC, tracing the brief history of the club and discussing the New Manor Ground facilities that are the envy of many non-league clubs. I have always been a big believer in the importance of developing young players and giving them the best possible education and one of the first things I did at the New Manor Ground was to make plans to launch an Academy. That was in the days of Ilkeston Town FC and although financial troubles led to the club being liquidated little more than a year later, the seeds had already been sown. SR Education, Dave Mantle s company, were running the apprenticeship scheme and when the opportunity arose to take over the assets at the New Manor Ground and launch a brand new club, he was keen to take it. That led to the introduction of Ilkeston FC in November 2010 with a group of apprentices, who celebrated the return of football to the New Manor Ground by completing the League and Cup double in the Central Conference. A year later, they repeated that feat, while the first-team marked their first-ever season by winning promotion from Division One South of the Evo-Stik League. And equally significant in my eyes was the achievement of the Academy team, who were pipped for the title on goal-difference by Gateshead in their first season in the Conference Youth Alliance. Since then, we have gone from strength to strength and central to our whole operation is an Academy programme that is carefully designed to give youngsters an opportunity to fulfil their potential. We target in particular those who have fallen just short of winning a professional contract with League clubs - and give them every opportunity to prove they are late-developers with the ability to still make the grade. If things don t work out in that respect, we guarantee that they will leave us as far more capable players than when they arrived - able to make an impact at non-league level. And alongside that, we work to create pathways to use the qualifications they have gained to build a career for themselves away from football. We pride ourselves on the fact that Ilkeston FC operate in a professional environment with excellent facilities and a highlyqualified staff, dedicated to giving the scholars every chance to succeed. Our modern stadium at the New Manor Ground - complete with adjoining training ground - makes it an extremely pleasant place to come and work. And one of Dave Mantle s first actions when he launched the new club was to invest 100,000 to create two purpose-built classrooms, where the scholars study. Discipline and organisation are key. The boys are very well looked after and in return we expect them to strive at all times to fulfil their potential. Less than two years into the five-year plan we drew up at the outset, we are delighted with the progress that has been made. Standards are steadily rising with promising young players now applying to join us from all areas of the country and beyond. And I take it as a massive compliment that our local Football League clubs want to work with us in helping to develop their young players because they know that at Ilkeston FC, we do things the right way. We pride ourselves on the fact that Ilkeston FC operate in a professional environment 6 7

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6 Scholarship Programme The Ilkeston FC Scholarship Programme is based on a twoyear commitment and breaks down into two distinct areas of work - the development of talented young footballers and an opportunity to gain qualifications that will help to secure future employment. Technical It s all about the ball - how the boys receive it and what they do with it - and we set out to develop their strengths and improve their weaknesses. We are strong believers in not knocking the natural ability out of them. It s stating the obvious to say the boys will all have different skill levels when they join us but each of them will have it within their power to improve and we work with them to make that happen. As a club, we play a passing game and training sessions are always organised with that in mind. Tactical It s inevitable that new scholars will be tactically naïve and as coaches we take great satisfaction from seeing how much they have progressed in that regard by the time they leave. The object of the exercise is to instil good habits and give them a thorough understanding of their role within the team. Apart from our day-to-day work on the training ground, we achieve that with the aid of video analysis. Through game-breaker, we assess their performance in matches and monitor their understanding of their role. Psychological Football is a demanding business and you need to be mentally strong to be successful at any reasonable level of the game. Although that comes more naturally to some than others, it s a quality that you can work on and improve. Responsibility for supporting the boys - especially if they are having a tough time - lies squarely with the coaching staff and we work with them on areas such as concentration, discipline, self-control and self-confidence. Football Kevin Wilson and Darren Caskey worked together to compile a four-pronged approach to the Football Programme that is offered to scholars. It revolves around these headings - Technical, Tactical, Psychological and Physical - and Wilson talks you through each of them. Physical It is absolutely essential in the modern game that you reach and retain a high standard of fitness and our daily work schedule is designed to improve endurance, agility, balance and core stability. Our specialist fitness coach helps the players with their personal development plan, which includes advice on nutrition and how to live well as an athlete. Regular fitness tests enable us to keep a careful check on the fitness levels of the scholars

7 Education Chairman Dave Mantle explains how the Education Programme operates at the New Manor Ground - and stresses that it is an integral part of the Academy and Ilkeston FC in general We all appreciate the importance of our players attaining nationally recognised qualifications to go alongside the excellent football programme we offer. Our specialised education department deliver a variety of highquality courses at both our purpose built education block at the New Manor Ground, plus our excellent off-site facility at Southglade Leisure Centre in nearby Nottingham. Academy players are offered a two-year scholarship which allows them to gain qualifications suitable to individual needs and aspirations. Our learning journey is a structured process which gives players the very best chance of success with football and education. Initial Assessment This is carried out at the start of the programme to determine each player s academic level well before the education programme begins. Where possible this is conducted in partnership with the player s parents or guardians, coaching staff and education staff. Predicted and actual GCSE results are used alongside diagnostic tests in Maths and English in order to get the best possible picture of academic ability which will shape the level of course recommended to each player. Individual Learning Agreement Following initial assessment, the learning aims of each player are formalised into a unique individual learning agreement. The details of each qualification and expected timeframes to achieve are included in the learning plan. Induction The induction covers all aspects of the Ilkeston FC Scholarship programme including Club Rules and regulations Safeguarding Health and Safety Equality and diversity Drugs awareness Player welfare and wellbeing Ilkeston FC Education Programmes Our core qualifications are BTEC Sport at levels 1, 2 and 3 and the majority of players will study for either the BTEC level 2 diplomas in sport or the BTEC level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport within the first year of the programme. Progression opportunities exist to move forward in year 2, with additional level 3 units to achieve either the level 3 diploma or level 3 Extended Diplomas in Sport. Players are also able to complete the FA level 1 coaching award and the level 2 gym instructor» 12 13

8 certificate as additional qualifications, plus functional skills in Maths and English if required. Programme outline BTEC level 2 Diploma Sport includes: Unit 1 fitness testing and training Practical sport Anatomy and physiology Injury in sport Planning and leading sports activities Exercise and fitness instruction Planning and running a sports event Programme outline BTEC level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Sport includes: Principles of anatomy and physiology Physiology of fitness Assessing risk in sport Fitness training and programming Sports coaching Fitness testing for sport and exercise science Exercise, health and lifestyle Programme outline Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport includes: All level 3 Subsidiary Diploma units above, plus - Practical sports Sports nutrition Current issues in sport Leadership in sport Instructing physical activity and exercise Exercise for specific groups Psychology of sports performance Sports injuries Analysis of performance Rules, regulations and officiating in sport Organising sports events Individual Player Support and progress reviews All players will receive high-quality individual support from tutors and coaches throughout the programme including progress reviews on both the technical football programme and education progress on a regular basis. The reviews will focus on progress and time framed action points to ensure progress. Tutors can also provide support for any additional learning needs if required. Progression Advice and guidance is available in year 2 on progression opportunities. These will include employment opportunities, American Soccer Scholarships and progression into further and higher education, including university applications

9 Meet the team Ilkeston FC currently have more than 40 scholars on the books at the New Manor Ground and the club have put together a capable and highly-qualified backroom team to ensure the Academy functions smoothly. 16 Kevin Wilson Manager A former Northern Ireland international with vast experience of management with Northampton, Bedford, Kettering, Hucknall and Corby. Also played as a striker for Derby County, Ipswich Town, Chelsea, Notts County and Walsall. Holds a UEFA Pro licence and Academy Manager s licence. My role: From team selection and tactics in competitive matches to day-to-day monitoring of the scholars in their training and classes, I have overall responsibility for the short, medium and long-term development plan. My constant drive is for better standards, week-on-week and year-on-year, with the aim of setting up an ever-improving production line of Ilkeston FC first-team players. Darren Caskey Assistant-Manager Came through the ranks at Tottenham to appear in the firstteam while still a teenager and captained England Under-18s to European Championships success. Also capped at Under-20 and Under-21 levels, he later played for Reading and Notts County among others, and managed Halesowen before becoming assistantmanager at Ilkeston FC. Currently working towards his A licence coaching award. My role: As second-in-command at the Academy, I play a central role in the day-to-day development of the scholars - particularly on the training pitch. Having worked with Kevin for four years, we are very much on the same wavelength and understand how, as a pair, we can get the best out of players. Mark Devonshire Physiotherapist Gained experience of physiotherapy within the football environment while completing a two-year YT course at Barnsley FC before graduating, following a three-year physiotherapy course from York St John University. My role: Although I m first-team physio, I take an equally active role with Academy scholars, both pre-hab and re-hab, attending games at all levels throughout the week. I show the same attention to detail in treating a young recruit as I would a regular firstteam player, which I think is reassuring to a those coming through as they know there will be continuity as they progress. The fact that I came through an Academy helps me appreciate the needs of players. Ryan Wilson Fitness Trainer A former Northern Ireland Youth international, who was an apprentice with Stockport County before switching to Ilkeston FC, he was one of the first players to emerge from the Academy at the New Manor Ground and claim a regular first-team spot. He now has broader responsibilities. My role: I work with the scholars to improve their overall fitness - an essential ingredient for success in the modern game - as a personal trainer, having qualified after taking a private course in Nottingham. There is a particular emphasis on trying to improve core strength and conditioning with gym sessions, which is important as they strive to move up from junior football to the men s game. Nigel Harrop Recruitment Office Worked for several years within Derby County s Academy set-up, coaching and recruiting young talent from across the Midlands. Joined the backroom staff at Ilkeston FC after a spell overseas and has links in the USA, Bermuda and the Caribbean. My role: Scouting for potential new recruits and working my network of contacts is a key part of my duties and I also work closely with Kevin and Darren in generally helping the youngsters - especially those who have left home for the first time - to settle in. Its important to have someone who takes care of any logistical issues that may arise, providing support for other Academy staff members. Paul Holland Sports Programme Co-ordinator Another to have played to a high level, he was twice capped twice by Englandunder 21s and played for the likes of Mansfield, Sheffield United, Chesterfield and Bristol City, then briefly managed Mansfield before moving into the education sector. My role: I m responsible for ensuring the learning side of the Academy is run to a high standard. Along with other similar programmes running up and down the country, I oversee courses for Ilkeston FC. Our aim is to develop as many different exit routes as possible for scholars who don t quite make the grade as players to use their qualifications elsewhere - like going on to university or taking up soccer scholarships in the USA. My constant drive is for better standards, week-on-week and year-on-year Declan Harrop Match Analyst Kevin Wilson A graduate of the Ilkeston FC Academy, he put his plans to attend university on hold to become the club s first analyst and his work in recording the match action and supplying performance information is key to the development of scholars. My role: We video games and analyse them to provide information to the management team. They can then sit down with individuals and run through what they should or shouldn t be doing. I can also assemble a package of incidents for players to take away and view in their own time. It s a valuable resource that s not always available at this level of football. 17

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11 Week in the life of an IFC scholar Promising goalkeeper Ryan Swift takes us through seven days in the life of a scholar at the New Manor Ground. Wed We have a second competitive Academy game of the week on our more regular matchday with a home game against Boston United in the Youth Alliance, reporting at 12.30pm for a 2pm start. I sit this one out, instead watching as we draw 1-1. But it doesn t mean I escape my postgame job of cleaning the changing room and kitchen. We all have our assigned roles - others do things like cleaning the kit or laying it out beforehand - and we know about it if it doesn t get done properly! I arrive home at 5.30pm. The classes provide a nice blend with the football element, not to mention keeping you warm in winter! Sun Mon Thurs A rest day to recover from Saturday s game playing on loan for Radford FC to gain senior first-team experience. It s a policy manager Kevin Wilson encourages to give us a taste of men s football and the step up that s required. Another game is coming up tomorrow, so I get the right preparation, eating healthy foods and staying hydrated, to be ready to go again. With postponements over Christmas, this is an extra Academy match-day and we report to the ground for 9am to get some breakfast. It s an earlier start than normal because we weren t sure if the game would be on with heavy overnight rain and high winds. Thankfully, it s a green light, with us leaving for Harrogate at 10am and kicking off at 1pm. It s a long day as we don t get home until 7.30pm, but it was worth it as we won 3-1. Our second college day of the week takes place at South Glade in Nottingham. This time our assignment is to video each other teaching basketball skills. It s great to get out and do practical sessions as well as those in the classroom. Finishing at 1pm, it s then back to the club from 6-8pm for a session with our specialist goalkeeping coach. This is the night we mix with the first-team, making it less intimidating if called up to senior level. Tues Fri Sat It s another 9am start as we spend the morning doing college work on our BTEC Extended Diploma. This particular unit is on Barriers in Sport. The classes provide a nice blend with the football element. We don our boots in the afternoon for technique and fitness work before finishing with a short game. In the evening there s chance for those who have helped out on a coaching course at the National Football Centre to be guests at the England Under-21 game against Sweden at Walsall. Quite unusually, it s a third match of the week, with the reserves away at CV Reds. We re in at 9 30am. Those who play leave at 11am for a 3pm kick-off, while it s strength and fitness work for those not selected. While the reserves win 1-0, we train hard and then we finish by completing the college work we began on Tuesday. Radford FC don t have a game this weekend and with the first-team playing away, we are not required to attend. When the seniors are at home, however, we get to the ground for 1.30pm and help out. Some are in the club shop, some sell programmes and others prepare the changing rooms, before settling down to enjoy the action

12 International students welcome at Ilkeston FC Academy Ilkeston FC are in an excellent position to provide life-changing opportunities for talented young footballers from around the world. Within our Academy programme, there is scope to include international students for the season and beyond - at a cost per student of 20,000 per year. International recruits will work alongside the Academy scholars on the highquality football development and match programme, while also studying for nationally recognised qualifications. Fees will include the cost of coaching, match programme, kit, fulltime education and tuition fees, accommodation, all meals, laundry and student welfare. Accommodation is provided in highquality housing close to the New Manor Ground. Houses are staffed full-time by experienced residential wardens who create the environment to help students achieve academic and football aspirations. Staff will help with all aspects of settling into the Academy, including travel to and from the airport and important aspects such as opening a bank account and registering with a local doctor and dentist. Student Visas Most international students are admitted to the UK by a student visa, which is usually valid until the course is complete. To obtain the student visa, contact your nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Applying for a UK student visa need not be complicated or time-consuming. However, it is important to submit a complete and thorough application. It is worth contacting your local British Diplomatic Mission or visiting their website as application procedures vary from country to country. Immigration control in the UK affects everyone who is not a British subject. The Home Office is the Government department responsible for determining UK immigration policy. Particular rules apply to students who are EU/EEA nationals. European Community law gives EU/ EEF nationals the right to live and work in the UK. There are no restrictions on employment or study. If you want confirmation on your right of residence in the UK you can apply for a Registration Certificate. However, there is no requirement for EU/EEA nationals living in the UK to apply. The following link explains this in more detail: Every non-eu/eea national coming to the UK for longer than six months must obtain a visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also have to register your stay with the police. If you need to register, this requirement will be stamped on your passport. Please note that the FA in England have certain rules regarding clearance for international players which may affect their eligibility to play. For further information about living in the UK and immigration advice, visit FEES The cost of a university education in the UK is now approaching 10,000 per year in tuition fees alone. With Ilkeston FC covering added costs such as accommodation, food, transport and welfare - the annual scholarship fee of 20,000 represents excellent value for money

13 Testimonials It's not just what we think... A wise decision After two-and-a-half years at Leicester City, my son Matthew had exit trials at a number of clubs and one of them, Grimsby, recommended him to Kevin Wilson. When I first went with him to Ilkeston, we met Kevin and chairman Dave Mantle, who was fantastic in explaining how it would work. The education side of things was an important consideration because Matthew had secured a place at Stephenson College in Coalville. But it seemed a better choice for him to work at his education and football at the same time - and it proved a wise decision. As a parent, I ve been very happy with the courses Matthew s done and he s even advanced to helping SR Education delivering their coaching too. It s great for him to have something to fall back on aside from his football. Matthew lived with three other scholars for a while, instead of commuting, and it was really reassuring to me that Kevin made the effort to pop in once in a while and check they were all okay. The club have always been keen to help. Overall I ve been very impressed because it has improved Matthew both on and off the pitch and on a personal level too. He has grown up and become much more responsible. Catherine Baker Mother of Ilkeston FC scholar Matt Baker There s a plan to what they re trying to do I would definitely recommend Ilkeston s Academy as an excellent place for a youngster to start their career, particularly if they have not been picked up by a Football League club. It s a great set-up, where the staff have your best interests at heart. Even when I left to join Notts County, the likes of Kevin Wilson and Darren Caskey stayed in contact and I know they want the best for me. The staff have a background in football and many have been there as players, so they know things inside out. There is a plan to what they are trying to do with the Academy they want young players to come through and make the grade and if you want to improve they will push you hard. I went there straight from school, but it was a toss-up between going to Ilkeston and staying on to study, which I wanted to do because I know there are no guarantees of a career in football. I didn t need to worry in the end because there was a very strong emphasis on the importance of education and learning. From a football point of view, I went there still quite raw and they were able to round off some of the rougher edges as I made my way into the first-team. You knew if you were good enough you would get a chance. My time at Ilkeston certainly stood me in good stead and it is an experience I look back on with happy and fond memories. Tyrell Waite Former Ilkeston FC scholar, now with Notts County 24 25

14 An impressive set-up There are times when it s right for our young players at League clubs to go out and gain experience in a good standard of nonleague football. But having said that, it s also important to know that the club they join will help them to advance their game. We had no hesitation during my time at Forest in working with Ilkeston FC in that way. They have an impressive set-up and always try to do things in the right manner - especially when it comes to developing young players. Nick Marshall Former Nottingham Forest Academy Director Wedding & corporate catering in the East Midlands A key role to play I first came across the Ilkeston FC Academy in my time with Nottingham Forest and I was impressed that a non-league club worked so hard to do things in the right way. That was perfectly illustrated when Kevin Wilson asked during the season if he could come to Holland and study how FC Twente operate at youth level as part of his academy manager s course - which clearly indicates how seriously he takes his responsibilities. Not every talented young footballer is good enough to be taken on by a Premier League or Football League club, and it s important to have platforms at a lesser level where they can still work in a structured fashion to improve themselves and maybe still build a career in the game. Ilkeston FC have a key role to play in that respect. Steve McClaren, Former England manager Good working relationship We ve developed a good working relationship with Kevin Wilson and that s been beneficial for both clubs. Ilkeston FC are very professional in the way in which they deal with young players, which inevitably influences our thinking when they ask for our boys on loan. We need to be confident that when our lads spend a month or so at Ilkeston FC they will learn from the experience, and that has certainly been the case in our dealings so far. Hopefully it s a link that will continue - and grow. Steve Beaglehole U-21 Development Coach, Leicester City FC Ilkeston youngsters are always very well behaved 26 I have seen the young players at Ilkeston FC Academy support the FA coach education department for the last two years in developing the coaches of the future. The players have performed excellently for us - and the trainee coaches who come to the National Football Centre at St George s Park to gain their coaching qualifications. Without the support of local teams like Ilkeston, we would find it difficult at times to give the coaches the necessary requirements to meet the outcomes of our coaching courses. The young players play an important role in that they lessen the physical side of each coaching course for the trainee coaches. The Ilkeston youngsters are always very well behaved and are a credit to the work and time that the club are investing in them. We look forward to many more opportunities to invite them to St George s Park to support the FA s coach education courses. Denis Mortimer FA national coach educator and captain of Aston Villa s 1982 European Cup-winning team Call us on or Visit Sandiacre Industrial Estate, Derby Road, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5HU

15 Proud sponsors of Ilkeston FC Academy Hill Top, Mansfield Road, Oakwood, Derby DE2 4FT