Development Side On Tour

ARGYLE’S Football in the Community Trust are going Stateside with their Education and Development side.

This week, the lads will jet out to Florida to participate in a number of guest games and training sessions.

The squad, who are all aged between 16-18, will have the opportunity to impress and catch the eye of several American universities in the hope of securing a Football Scholarship at some of the country’s most illustrious universities.

During their 10 day stay they will have the opportunity to tour the campuses of the universities, speak to lecturers and gain a real insight into an American student’s life.

In addition to this, the Argyle team will train on a daily basis under the guidance of community staff Mark Gammon, Dwain Morgan and Lee Britchford to ensure that all players adapt to the heat prior to the games. They will also be involved in a number of guest coaching sessions with Hernando Heat FC.

Community Manager Mark Lovell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our under-18 development team to have the chance to see university studies abroad and even more so the opportunity to trial for university whilst over there.

“The facilities and programmes that the universities run in America are first class and this could help shape some of the boys’ careers both in football and academically. 

“I would also like to thank Hernando Heat FC for helping organise this trip and we look forward to developing a partnership with them over the next few years.”

The American tour is part of the Plymouth Argyle FC Education and Development and is designed for players who did not get the opportunity to sign apprenticeships at professional football clubs and those who may have want to continue their football aspirations alongside education.

The programme is now in its fifth year and has seen boys go on to play for the Argyle Academy under 18s. Only this season, goalkeeper Tom McHale has played a number of games in the Football League Youth Alliance, following Christian Walton’s departure to Brighton.

In past years the programme has seen players gain scholarships in America, sign apprentice forms with Football League clubs and play non-league football, whilst a high percentage went on to university.

For more information please contact the community department on 01752 562561, option 4 or e-mail community@pafc.co.uk