Unlocking Football Talent: New Cohort of Rising Stars

Here at Hartlepool College, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of our latest cohort of talented footballers, as they join Hartlepool United's youth programme

"We are excited to welcome these exceptional young athletes to our college," says Shaun Hope, Assistant Principal of Hartlepool College. "Our partnership with Hartlepool United continues to grow stronger, and we are dedicated to providing them with the educational experience they need to succeed."

The first 11 players have already secured their positions, and we are in the final stages of selecting four additional individuals who will form part of a development squad starting in September. Aspiring candidates can still apply for this incredible opportunity.

"Our program offers a unique pathway for aspiring footballers to study and train alongside our youth team throughout the season," explains Hope. "We have seen the next cohort join our programme, and we are eager to begin working with them."

The signing ceremony took place at the Suit Direct Stadium, where Kian Brooksbank, Blaine Garthwaite, Finlay Foster, Kingston Butler, Bobby Constantine, Joe Purvis, Fin Bates, Kai Facchini, Jacob Watson, Xander McKimmie, and Harry Lake proudly signed their forms and posed for photographs.

These talented individuals, hailing from Hartlepool and the surrounding areas, have the potential to further enhance their skills while enrolled in our renowned Under-19s programme, developed in collaboration with HUFC's U19s Team.

As the recruits prepare to play in the National Alliance League, they will proudly don Hartlepool United clothing. The opportunity exists for them to progress to the prestigious HUFC Under-18s squad if they prove their skills on the field.

"Our program goes beyond just creating a pathway to Hartlepool's first team," states Ian McGuckin, Hartlepool's lead professional development phase Under-18s coach. "It offers various other opportunities in semi-professional football, industry jobs, or other fields. We aim to nurture their football abilities while ensuring their academic success."

Together with Jonathan Constantine, Head of Academy Recruitment at Hartlepool United, and Ethan Wood, our dedicated head coach, we will work tirelessly to develop these players' football skills. Former Hartlepool winger Ian Clark will ensure their progress in the classroom.

Clark, Head of High-Performance Sport, highlights the comprehensive benefits of our program. "These players will receive a full education of their choice while being connected to a professional club. They will train 14 hours a week, playing national league youth football, and gain a fantastic education."

"Our goal is to equip them with the right qualifications for future success, regardless of their footballing journey," continues Clark. "Among our previous participants, Charlie Rowe secured a four-year apprenticeship, Toby Crawford is heading to Stirling University, and Oscar Fletcher represented England Schoolboys Under-18s."

For further information on how to apply for our program, please contact ian.clark@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk.

We look forward to unlocking the potential of the next generation of football stars and providing them with the tools for a successful future.