Helping players achieve goals

YOUNGSTERS and coaches at Failsworth Soccer Centre

YOUNG soccer stars dreaming of making it big in the beautiful game can now let PFA (Pro Football Academy) steer them towards sporting success as it opens its latest academy in Failsworth.

Established in 2014 by former Oldham Athletic midfielder Carlos Roca, PFA strives to create technically-gifted football players.

Professional training from former players and FA qualified coaches coupled with a focus on technique makes PFA the leading football development centre in the North-West.

And its impressive links with the best clubs in the region, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Oldham Athletic, means the academy is the perfect place for talented players who aspire to be the best they can be.

Nearly a quarter of PFA players have been invited into top clubs over the last year, proving that PFA is now the go-to place for top talent.

Carlos, who created PFA after retiring from professional football, said: "The quality of training is what sets us apart from other academies.

"We have a different philosophy. Our focus is on helping technically-gifted footballers progress as far as possible.

"Everything we do is about the ball ­­- the ball is always rolling and our players learn by playing, not by standing still and listening to someone tell them what to do.

"We create a professional and positive environment that gives players a chance to express themselves and gain ownership of their playing style."

Having launched in Failsworth Sports Centre this month, over 100 youngsters aged five to 16 have already signed up to showcase their soccer skills.

Dean Braithwaite, academy director at Failsworth, said: "I'm so excited to bring PFA to the North of Manchester and to continue the exceptional work of PFA in developing players of the future."

The PFA coaching programme is designed in line with the Premier League Academy Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) so players follow the same coaching syllabus. This helps transition between the two and prepares players for the professional environment.

Carlos, originally from Withington, said PFA offers the highest standards of coaching but it also expects hard work and commitment from its players.

He said: "We've created an environment where our players feel comfortable but we do look for commitment from them.

"This is not a drop-in type of academy, we expect them to turn up every week and work hard.

"Being an ex-player myself, I have a better understanding of what is needed to establish a career in football and also of what the clubs are looking for.

"That experience also means we can mentor our academy members all the way through their footballing career.

"If one of our seven-year-olds gets picked up by a club, they'll be part of the pro club's academy but they will still come and train with us and we'll look after them. If they then get released at age 10, we are still here looking after them and keeping that level of training high, which is what we specialise in."

Different coaching programmes help to maximise and maintain the highest levels of training.

Age-appropriate sessions are held between 5pm and 8.30pm, on Mondays and Thursdays at Failsworth and January 2017 sees the launch of the PFA 121 programme at Failsworth, which delivers personal tuition from experienced coaches who work on individual strengths and weaknesses.

Elite holiday clinics will be rolled out later in the year, where players are invited in to focus on a particular skill or masterclass.

Carlos' own career started when he signed to Manchester City from the age of seven to 14. He then played for Athletic's first team from the age of 16 to 20 before moving to Carlisle United and then enjoying five years as a semi-professional footballer at FC United. The 32-year-old is clear that the academy never promises parents they can get their son or daughter signed to a professional club.

He said: "The biggest thing that we guarantee is that we will make them a better footballer by maximising their potential and helping them to improve their skills and technique. We've got good exit routes for them to every club in the North-West as long as the player has aspirations to achieve and work hard."

And its not just future football stars that Carlos is looking for, but experienced FA Level 1 coaches are invited to get in touch as well.

PFA (Pro Football Academy) is based at Failsworth Soccer Centre, Brierley Avenue, M35 9HA.

To register for the academy or 121 sessions call 0161 210 2050 or email jane@pro-footballacademy.com.

Visit www.pro-footballacademy.com or find PFA on Facebook and Twitter.