SCS ACADEMY have announced that nine of their aspiring young footballers have made the grade by signing terms with professional academies at both Colchester United and Ipswich Town, writes MARK TUXFORD.

The recent batch of graduates from the Sports Coaching Specialist Academy produced a record number of players signed in one season to the pro academies.

Director of Sports Coaching Specialists, Angelo Harrop recognises its a huge achievement for the organisation and the development of children carving out a potential career in the professional game.

Harrop said: “Ipswich Town are our partner club and have been extremely supportive.

“The partnership has gone from strength to strength and I must say a massive well done to the boys that managed to get signed, it's a great achievement and one that we are all very proud of as an academy.”

The SCS Football Academy is into its eighth year and has continued to offer training and match programmes delivered by UEFA coaches of the highest standard enabling players to progress on to professional football clubs through their academy set up.

Harrop, who has figured in many important roles at Thurlow Nunn Premier League side, Stanway Rovers and has worked as a scout at pro clubs knows what it takes to become a success in the game.

“Our culture at the academy is ‘producing not just fine footballers, but fine young men’, he added.

“This is very important for us as we want the SCS players to be respectful, honest, hardworking and most importantly professional at all times.

“We try to instil these behaviours in our players, giving them a platform to achieve what they want from life and doing so the right way, whether that’s in football or in everyday life.

“I must say a well done to the Sunday league managers who work with these players on a constant basis and have given the players a fantastic foundation to start a potential career from with great attitude and ability throughout.”