College and football club join forces to launch academy

Chichester College and Worthing Football Club have recently collaborated to provide training academy to budding professional players. 

Preparations are underway for the launch of the programme which is set to welcome its first players in September this year. 

This collaboration will open a clear route for students studying courses at Chichester College to take their passion of football onto a higher of level of training with Worthing FC. 

This is a fully inclusive partnership with male, female and inclusion teams all benefitting from the many rewards the partnership brings, including being able to train, wear the kit and hold their matches at the club. 

Nathan Bowen, Football Director at Worthing Football Club, said: “We have a lot of pride in developing young players and providing a pathway from our youth teams into our 1st team and beyond.  

“Having the opportunity to work with Chichester College will enable us to develop their students and broaden our talent pool, helping young players make the jump into professional football.” 

The football club has already seen several students from the college build their careers through the variety of sport courses it offers to school leavers. 

Alumni student, Ollie Pearce (26), studied football coaching at the college several years ago and has since gone on to play for Worthing for the past four years. 

Ollie said: “If it were not for the links and support from the coaches and lecturers at Chichester College, I am not sure I would be playing for Worthing. 

“Deciding what to do at the age of 16 can be pretty daunting so having access to courses like I did allow me to turn my passion into a career.” 

Formalising this relationship between Chichester College and Worthing Football Club is not only beneficial to the students, but it also creates a strong community between the club and college staff.  

Matt Wright, Deputy Head of Learning, said: “We are thrilled to get this academy off the ground and showcase the talent of our students to such a highly renowned club especially with the recent promotion to National League South from Isthmian Premier.   

“Worthing Football Club have gone from strength to strength over the years and we are determined to create successful relationship between our outstanding education and the club to give every student an opportunity to progress in football.”