TALENTED young football players are being guided into the beautiful game thanks to a specialist college.

Plume Football College was launched last year by Plume School in Fambridge Road, Maldon, in partnership with Heybridge Swifts Football Club.

It allows students from across the Maldon and Chelmsford districts to develop their football skills while getting a range of academic qualifications including the BTEC National Certificate in Sport, Community Sports Leaders Award and/or A level options.

Students take part in academic lessons in the morning and training or matches in the afternoon, combining full-time education with training and competitive opportunites.

One student who has experienced the benefits of what the college has to offer is Adam Brotherton, 18.

Adam has been attending the college for a year and, after more than ten years of playing football at school and club level, he now plays for Heybridge Swifts’ first team.

He said: “I have been playing football since I was about eight.

“I played for youth teams and then someone said I should play for the Swifts.

“I started playing for their youth team, made it into the reserves and now play for the first team.”

Adam was a major player in Plume’s successful football season - the team won 16 matches of 19 played - and was named Player of the Year.

He said: “The most memorable part of the last year was playing in the Gothia Cup, a Youth World Cup event in Sweden in July.

“It was an amazing tournament and the college team did extremely well.”

Adam has been a Plume School pupil since year seven but the football college scheme is open to everyone.

He said he would recommend it to other young, aspiring footballers.

He added: “I decided to join the football college because I really enjoy playing.

“It is a good place to come because you are constantly practising and getting the help you need to improve.

“You can also work towards your coaching badges which I have been doing.

“I have already done some coaching in primary schools and hope to continue doing it in the future.”

Brad Hudson, who coaches at the football college as well as Heybridge Swifts’ reserve team, said: “Adam was very much part of last year’s successful season. We won both the North East Essex and Mid Essex Cups.

“Plume Football College is a great way for young people to improve their skills while studying for a qualification.

“And if they achieve their coaching badges they can give something back to the community as well.

“It is basically for players who want to learn about the game and become the best player they can be.”