Youngsters proud to be part of the Union

Nov 8 2007 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

ACADEMIES have long been part of the production line of young talent at football’s biggest clubs – although, controversially, players from overseas have often overtaken home- based players on the conveyor belt.

But it may surprise people to discover a Runcorn junior club has its own such school and its success has led to the introduction of a league team for next season.

The Under-8s side at Inter Union FC was drawn exclusively from players who attended their academy the season before.

The Halton & District Junior League club launched the scheme in 2006.

They considered the academy an innovative way to coach and school young players who are either new to the game or want extra training which they may not be getting at their own club.

The initiative has taken another big step forward with this season’s appointment of Phil Booth as academy director.

A club spokesman said: ‘Phil has the relevant qualifications along with years of experience in working with young players.

‘He has brought with him some up-and-coming young coaches in Anthony Moore, Christian Ward and Brian Mills and a training plan that will see Inter lead the way in true grass roots football for years to come.’

Every Sunday from 9am until noon, there are three separate one-hour classes so players are banded in levels of skill and pupils aged between five and 14 years are trained according to their abilities.

There is a chance for players to move up a level and to step up training methods in a relaxed and structured atmosphere.

Each 10-week course costs £20 and players get a certificate on completion.

The spokesman added: ‘What makes Inter’s academy different from the rest is that we treat it as a proper training session and not somewhere to send your children for an hour to kick a ball about.

‘Phil has said that he regularly sees trainees re-registering at the end of a course due to their progress and the enjoyment they have attending.

‘It’s this response from players and parents that drives him to do this demanding and rewarding aspect of Inter Union JFC.

The training offered is fully endorsed with coaches using approved FA grassroots training techniques and all academy players are covered by the club’s insurance policy.

For a one-off £20, players receive a club training kit comprising socks, shorts, shirt and sweat top.

For any further information on the Inter Union JFC academy, parents and guardians can contact Phil Booth on 07891 445086.