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WELCOME TO OUR

MEN'S FOOTBALL ACADEMY

MAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE EDGE

The men’s football academy has been running since 1998. Many students have worked their way into professional football careers, both playing and coaching.

Students complete their academic studies each morning at the College whilst afternoons are dedicated to either training or gameplay.

Upcoming Trials

Friday 4th January, 1pm.
3G pitch
Blossomfield Campus
Solihull College & University Centre

TEAMS

The College has had 3 full time men’s academy teams:

U19 Academy squad
Playing games on Wednesdays in the National League Youth Alliance

U18 Academy squad
Playing games in the Midland Junior Premier league on a Saturday.

College development squad
Playing in National College league

WILL GRIGG

After studying a Level 3 Sport Course in 2007 and being part of the Football Academy, Grigg was scouted playing in the Solihull Moors youth team and now plays first team football for Wigan Athletic. He made his full International debut for Northern Ireland in a match against the Netherlands in June 2012 and was part of the Euro 2016 squad.

AMARI’I BELL

Completing a Level 3 Sport Course in 2011, Bell was spotted by scouts playing for the Solihull Moors youth team and signed a 12-month professional contract with local Championship team, Birmingham City, where he was a prominent talent in the Under-18 and reserve teams. He now plays for League 1 side Fleetwood Town.

MANNY SMITH

Smith graduated from Solihull College in 2005 after completing a Level 2 NVQ course in Sports Coaching. He was scouted whilst playing for Solihull Moors and has appeared over 100 times professionally for Walsall & Notts County before moving to Gateshead.

APPLYING FOR A COURSE

When applying for a course at Solihull College & University Centre, you must state on your application that you are interested in applying to join the Football Academy. Upon your accepted academic application, you will be offered a trial, in which the team manager will assess your suitability to join and, if successful, will assign you to the relative squad based on your performance and ability.

OUR FACILITIES

Solihull College & University Centre has state-of-the-art health and fitness facilities, available for use to anyone across the campus. The Blossomfield Campus sports centre has a modern, recently refurbished gym, with brand new treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, rowing machines, weights and more, so those wanting to achieve peak physical fitness can do so on site. The Academy trains all its participants on the 3G astro-turf located on campus.

For outstanding footballers who have played at county or academy level, we offer a Student Athlete Scheme in which players will be given access to free gym membership, free physio sessions, free training schemes and free college sports wear. In return for this we expect those in the scheme to attend some open days & apply themselves with role model behaviour for parents and prospective students.

How to get involved

To reserve your place please contact Phil Trilloe directly at Philip.trilloe@solihull.ac.uk.

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