Baggies call to U12s, U13s and U14s JPLS and MJPL players
ALBION are staging trials on Saturday, June 15 for their pioneering Colts programme after seeing it produce eight Academy players between Under-12s and Under-15s level last season.Following successful pilot schemes the Baggies last term fielded a total of seven teams in the Junior Premier League South (JPLS) and Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) – the only Midlands club to do so.
And it turned out to be a trophy-laden campaign as the Under-14s pulled off a stunning treble by winning the JPLS, League Cup and Futsal competition, the Under-13s won the JPLS and the Under-12s won the very first Junior Premier League Futsal Competition.
Albion’s Head of Academy Recruitment Steve Hopcroft said: “The Colts programme has proved extremely successful.
“More boys were signed into the Academy through this project than any other.
“It is aimed at players looking to make the step up from junior football to Academy football.
“This year we’ll be training at our Academy base for the first time and we’ll have a full-time Colts Academy manager.
“We’re looking to make it even bigger, more professional and exciting next season.
“It’s a great recruitment tool for us to get players into the Academy, and onwards and upwards.
“We’re always trying to look under stones that no-one else does – that’s the secret.
“This is aimed at those boys who are serious about making the step up from junior football into Academy football.
“It’s a stepping stone because for a lot of boys a straight six-week trial can make the jump just too high.
“By giving them the Colts project we can make the transition easier.”
The free trials for Under-12s (currently Year 7), Under-13s (Year 8) and Under-14s (Year 9) will take place on the club’s new state-of-the-art 4G pitch on Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4LF.
Times will be issued on registration.
To be eligible players must have played in the JPLS or MJPL during the 2012/13 season; have been born in Britain or have an EU passport; and live within 70 miles of Birmingham.
To register contact Steve Hopcroft on 07961 704595 or Albion Colts Academy Manager Tom Brady on 07961 214130.