Stocksbridge Park Steels FC are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with The North of England Football Academy (NEFA) to become the exclusive provider of the Steels Football and Education programme.
NEFA will work alongside and incorporate our current Under 18s and the partnership means that SPS with NEFA will be represented in the National Youth League Alliance, the 4th highest tier of youth football for under 19s.
Head of Academy at NEFA Ben Nicholson stated “We are delighted to be working with the biggest non-league club in the region to achieve our goal of creating footballing futures.
Stocksbridge have a great tradition of promoting and developing young local talent.
With NEFA having so many of our players representing clubs across the non-league pyramid this season, working with Stocksbridge will allow us to continue to achieve this under a one club ambition of developing players for Stocksbridge’s first team and beyond.”
The partnership will continue to provide NEFA learners the full opportunity to experience playing in senior men’s football.
With many NEFA learners playing at Step 8 and above representing NEFA Seniors and other local non-league clubs.
The Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves will be a great platform for NEFA learners to develop and work their way up the pyramid, hopefully into the first team and beyond.
Head of Recruitment at NEFA Josh Wain stated “I am delighted we were able sign this partnership. Our objective is to provide players with a clear pathway into Non-League Football whilst studying within a Full-Time environment. Having been involved at the club as a player, I have seen first-hand the desire to progress youth through the system, which is why the talks began in forming an alliance to offer a fantastic opportunity to aspiring footballers of the 23/24 season onwards.
A significant part of what we deliver is focused on forging a career within the game, using our strapline ‘Play or Stay in the Game’. It’s a fantastic opportunity for players / students interested in developing their education, whilst being able to commit to progressing in football.
Learning the insights by studying our BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, which will then be applied with course tasks, coaching opportunities, and clear exit routes into the game.
We want to thank Graham, Roger and for all their hard work in finalising this opportunity, it’s one we’re all looking forward to beginning”.
NB – The club has been working hard already behind the scenes, with the first part is incorporating NEFA academy into our existing website. The main elements are already added with more to come over the summer.
