Reading Football Club and the John Madejski Academy are proud to announce the new Academy Of Football Studies.

This is a two-year full-time course, based at the state-of-the-art John Madejski Academy in Whitley Wood, close to Madejski Stadium.

The course is open to school leavers who complete year 11, as well as other aspiring 16 to 18-year-old boys and girls. Applications are being accepted now - details below.

The course is a fantastic opportunity for boys and girls who would like a career in the game, and it will also provide opportunities in any sport or enable successful students to go on to further studies at University.

Successful applicants will study a two-year BTEC National Certificate in Sport at Levels 2 and 3, alongside NVQ FA Level 1 and 2 Coaching Certificates in Football.

Reading FC's professional FA-qualified coaches will conduct the daily practical side of the training, coaching and playing.

The coach education element is supplied by accredited, fully-qualified FA Coach Educators.

On the playing side both boys and girls will have the opportunity to represent the John Madejski Academy with the boys team being entered in the highly acclaimed National Youth Conference League and the girls against other professional academies

Reading FC Assistant Academy Manager Nas Bashir has been instrumental in the setup of the course, and said, "This is a unique opportunity for school leavers and any other local, aspiring 16 to 18-year-old boys and girls.

"We are very excited about linking up with the John Madejski Academy and utilising their fantastic facilities."

All students' progress throughout the course will be closely monitored by Reading FC.

The process for selection is by trial and interview to be held at the John Madejski Academy.

Three initial dates have been confirmed, and you must apply beforehand.

Boys
Tuesday 19th Feb 2pm-4pm
Tuesday 11th Mar 7pm-9pm
Tuesday 25th Mar 7pm-9pm

Girls
Tuesday 19th Feb 10am-12pm
Tuesday 11th Mar 5pm-7pm
Tuesday 25th Mar 5pm-7pm

In order to apply in advance, download this form then contact Course Director Andy Fogg on andy.fogg@johnmadejskiacademy.co.uk or 0118 937 0200.