"Earlier this year, my son (aged 14 and in Year 10 at school) received an invitation to participate in taster sessions with the Sheffield FC/Maltby Academy Football Scholarship programme and has found the whole experience to be incredibly positive. He enjoyed the sessions so much that he readily accepted the offer to continue to be involved. This early introduction (Year 10 instead of Year 11) has been so beneficial to him. What a great opportunity and challenge to train and play with players one, two and three years older than him.

Arriving at his first taster session, he was immediately made to feel incredibly welcome by both current scholarship players and staff and that was so important in allowing him to integrate, feel relaxed and give of his best. The coaches’ good communication with and feedback to parents has also been welcome and appreciated.

The coaching is of a very high standard and the sessions are interesting both to participate in as a player and to watch as a parent. Sessions are conducted in a friendly manner without ever sacrificing a professional approach and excellent discipline. Clearly, every player has been encouraged to become self-motivated in enjoying working hard to achieve his full potential.

The Sheffield FC/Maltby Academy Football Scholarship programme needs to be seriously considered by any young talented footballer as an excellent next step in combining both football education and academic studies".

Martin Mullane (Parent