Academy lads are the future for Boro'

Eastbourne Borough FC Academy manager Chris Agutter believes a huge part of future first team success could well come from within as their Academy continues to go from strength to strength.

The Borough Academy are currently recruiting for 2016-17 and they are determined to build on what has already proved to be an exciting development for the club.

Since July 2015, five Academy players have made their first team debuts, six players made senior Ryman League debuts while Ryle Ovenden, 17, signed a professional contract with Premier League side Watford.

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Agutter said, “The aim is to get the young lads into the first team. It is great for the club, the academy and for the players themselves. They have a huge role to play in the future of this football club and the opportunity is there for them. Eastbourne Borough is dedicated to developing not just players but more importantly people who are well-rounded, disciplined and respectful individuals. They will have fully committed themselves to the club, the Academy, the college and the education programme throughout the duration.

“We encourage and create a warm, caring and considerate environment where all supporters, staff and players matter, always ensuring that everyone associated or in contact with the club are treated with respect. They are provided with the correct assistance when required and are consistently provided with the appropriate encouragement and support so that their goals can be achieved.”

Potential Academy scholars, alongside their football programme, study from a range of A level and or BTEC courses. The education element is provided by Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne Campus.

All football coaching will be carried out by the club’s carefully selected coaching team lead by first team assistant manager Agutter. The students will also train regularly alongside the first team squad.

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They will also be going on a two week pre-season tour to Austria for the second consecutive year which will see the clubs newest scholars face up against a range of professional opponents such as Celtic F.C and Fleetwood Town F.C.

Agutter added, “The football pathway at the club will continue to be clear and achievable. It’s helped by the constant day to day integration between the Academy and first team staff. I’m the first team assistant manager as well as the day to day work within the Academy setup.

“The Academy will see more players making senior appearances for the first team in both the National League South as well as in the Sussex Senior Cup.”

See pages 107 and 108 for all the latest news on Eastbourne Borough