England call-ups for FC and Manchester College Academy

FC United of Manchester and The Manchester College are celebrating their sporting prowess as four Football Academy players have been selected for the England Colleges National Football Squad.

Daniel Maynard (18) from Gorton, Frank Van Gils (17) from Ardwick and Michael Taylor (17) from Chorlton had to qualify through three phases of trials to be selected for the National Colleges Team having first trialled for the England Colleges North West Squad, then being selected in the England Colleges North XI and finally attending phase 3 of the trials in Telfordon 1st and 2nd December. FC Under 18s centre half, James Brooks was also selected. James is studying at Wigan & Leigh College.

Daniel, Frank and Michael all play for the FC United Youth Team and represent The Manchester College Football Academy in the BCS Elite League. With four players selected in the final 18-man National Squad, FC United are the most represented club in the England Colleges Squad.

The England Colleges Squad will now host a Team Training Camp at The FA’s new St. Georges Park Training Centre in January for the first official meeting of the squad in preparation for upcoming home nations fixtures against Wales and Scotland and a tour of Italy.

Karl Marginson, FC United First Team Manager and Head Coach of The Manchester College Football Academy said: “Being selected for the England Colleges squad is a fantastic achievement for all four players and shows what hard work and positive attitudes can produce. Hopefully the players can continue with their development and I hope to see them progress to the level required to play for the FC United first team, and I am sure the experiences with the England Colleges will benefit them as players and enable them to do this.???

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: “Everyone at FC United is delighted that these exciting young players have been selected for the national side. Our partnership with The Manchester College just shows what opportunities can be created when both parties are committed to giving young people the right opportunities. We have a desire to improve our youth set up year on year and both the club and the College share a clear vision of where we are going and we are now developing a good track record for bringing through talented hard working players. Former college players Scott Cheetham and Cedric Krou are already part of our first team set up and former FC youth team and Manchester College captain, Nick Swirad is playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels. The club and especially our coaching team have a lot to be proud of.???

In September 2013, FC United of Manchester and The Manchester College are looking to build on their existing Football Academy provision with the launch of a full time FC United Youth Academy programme aimed at helping players improve academically, technically, tactically, physically and socially by passing on football knowledge and expertise in a positive learning environment. Trials will be held for the Men’s and Women’s Football Academy in February, April and May 2013 for 16-18 year old male and female footballers and Year 11 school leavers who are looking to combine their football careers with studying a full time college course. Any players that are interested in attending the trials and gaining a place in the FC United Youth Academy can register for the trials at the link below.

http://www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk/subject-area/sport/academies/trial-dates/enquiry