The PFA Youth Advisory department started their club workshop visits ahead of the 2022/23 season with a trip to Fleetwood Town, aiming to offer the presentation to all Premier League/EFL clubs.
The PFA strongly believe that all young players and their families should have access to free, impartial, and accurate information about the academy system. The workshop, delivered to players, parents and guardians, explains the obligations, commitments, and expectations that come with every stage of youth football, from the Foundation Phase (u’9s – u11’s) through to the Professional Development Phase (u17’s – u21’s).
PFA Youth Advisor George Bowyer, who conducts the workshops, understands how exciting joining an academy and working your way through the ranks can be, having been a scholar at Rochdale FC. His first-hand understanding of the extreme highs and lows you sometimes experience through your journey helps George relate to the experience of young players and what their parents and guardians are going through.
Following the presentation, Jack Higgins, Fleetwood Town Academy Manager, said: “The Professional Footballers Association continues to be a great source of support for professional players, parents, and young children within our academies. The Youth Advisory Service team, and George in particular, consistently offers a range of holistic support bespoke to not only us at Fleetwood Town football club but each of our boys and their families.
“The support of the PFA is extensive across the Academy age groups and covers many multi-disciplinary departments, especially player welfare. They are the players union but continue be a great support tool for football clubs also. We recommend all clubs and parents use the Youth Advisory Service at the PFA.”
Mike Hall, Fleetwood Town Lead Foundation Phase Coach, added: “George and the PFA Youth Advisory Service team have been fantastic for the Fleetwood Town. This support has also extended to our staff in terms of enhancing our knowledge on the services provided by the PFA to Academy boys and how this can be signposted and accessed.
“From our perspective as Academy staff, George is consistently available for contact should we have any queries around the Youth Advisory Service and he also goes above and beyond to direct us with other aspects of player care that may not directly link to his role, which is much appreciated. I would thoroughly recommend the Youth Advisory Service to anyone who is able to access it to ensure as well rounded a journey for the Academy boys as possible.”
The PFA Youth Advisory department can offer advice about; Registration and contractual offers, FA and FIFA rules and regulations, scholarship offers, academy inductions, academy end of season procedures, requesting release, player welfare and much more.
FIND OUT MORE..
If you have any enquiries about any aspect of the youth football system, download our PFA Youth Advisory brochure or contact our Youth Advisory team today for free, independent and confidential advice:
t: 0161 236 0575
