Academy Update

ACADEMY UPDATE LUKE CHADWICK COMPLETES WORK EXPERIENCE

LUKE CHADWICK IS THE MOST RECENT U18S PLAYER TO RETURN FROM A MONTH OF WORK EXPERIENCE. THE YOUNG SHOT-STOPPER SPENT TIME AT STAVELEY MINERS WELFARE WHERE HE WAS ABLE TO DEVELOP HIS KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF A FIRST-TEAM ENVIRONMENT.

Academy manager Tony Cook spoke about the importance of this kind of opportunity for young players in his usual monthly update.

He said: “Work experience opportunities for our young players is massive. We have had a technical board meeting about getting our younger players more experience in men’s football. This is something first team manager Richie Wellens is keen to have in place. “It is part of our remit to get more second year scholars out into the men’s environment to see what it’s like. In non-league, a lot of players are fitter and stronger than they used to be so it is a massive learning curve for any young player.

“Luke played two games while at Staveley - which means he's playing in front of 200-300 people which opens him to that side of the game. Head of Academy goalkeeping Steve Hernandez and I managed to go and watch him.

“Having spoken to Luke and his dad he really enjoyed the experience. If we could get him back out on work placement he would jump at the opportunity.”

Cook was keen to thank Staveley for giving the young goalkeeper the opportunity which will help to support his professional development.

He added: “I would like to thank Staveley, their chairman Terry Damms and manager Brett Marshall for having Luke.

“If other local clubs are interested then our door is always open. Even if our lads don’t get to play, just being around that kind of environment will really benefit them.”