The FLEX Scheme (football learning excellence) sees Wingate & Finchley Football Club in partnership with Whitefield School, in order to offer an educational and footballing programme, aimed at boys aged 16-18, who are interested in looking to develop a career in football.
The scheme enables boys to study and train together. It provides a genuine pathway into semi-professional football with the most progressive non-league club in London.
Whitefield is in the top 1% of improved schools in the entire country and has very recently had a £1 million investment in new facilities including new ICT suites and a new health and fitness teaching studio.
Fully qualified ‘A licensed’ coaches are responsible for delivering the recently restructured coaching syllabus. They cover every aspect of the game to ensure every young player who joins the scheme receives an all round football education.
Head coach on the scheme is Andy Zeller, who arrived at Wingate from Watford Football Club. He is also the First Team Coach at Wingate and believes the strength of the FLEX programme is in its uniqueness.
In comparison to other college schemes, Wingate run one elite squad, thereby enabling each schoolboy to maximise their potential.
In addition to new state of the art facilities the FLEX scheme has also benefitted from the arrival at Whitefield of new Head Teacher Martin Lavelle, who is keen to help the club establish the scheme as the best of its kind.
As well as providing the opportunity to advance into the club's senior section Wingate and Finchley FC have a great track record of allowing players to progress into professional football. In recent years, players such as Sam Sloma (Dagenham & Redbridge), Ben Strevens (Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge, Brentford, Wycombe), Matthew Harold (Wycombe, Southend, Brentford, Shrewsbury), Bobby Aisien (Peterborough, Rushden & Diamonds, Dover) and Medi Alabimba (Southend, Derby) have moved into the professional game.
The first set of trials for next season's intake take place today and tomorrow at Whitefield School.
For further information contact Andy Zeller - 07971 470430 / 01992 550295 andy@wingatefinchley.com
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