Phuket’s football academy offers trials for scholarships

PHUKET: British International School Phuket (BISP) is holding football trials (try-outs) for outstanding male and female footballers (aged 14 to 17 years) who wish to be considered for a scholarship place in the high performance BISP/Cruzeiro Football Academy. The trials for scholarship applicants will be held at BISP on 25/26 January 2014, but applicants need to apply via the BISP website before December 1, 2013.

The high performance football academy is instrumental in the school’s overarching philosophy to build a school and community culture of excellence and aspiration. Mr Neil Richards, BISP Headmaster says, “Young people will respond positively to the achievements of their peers, and in a climate of excellence – across all disciplines – every student will thrive.”

Academy footballers at BISP will be offered a balance between their academic studies and football at an elite level. Footballers in the Academy will be committed to attending high performance training where they must attend up to eight training sessions per week. This will include technical, tactical and physical training sessions. Footballers will also receive sessions on nutrition, mental preparation and injury prevention.

Mr Jonathas Candido is the Head Coach of the BISP/Cruzeiro Football Academy. Prior to joining the BISP staff, he was the Brazilian Youth Football Coach and Scout at Cruzeiro EC in Brazil. The BISP/Cruzeiro Academy therefore has a close collaborative relationship with Cruzeiro Esporte Clube.

The BISP/Cruzeiro Academy will also support the local professional team, Phuket FC with its youth programmes. The three-way partnership between BISP, Cruzeiro EC and Phuket FC aims to develop competitive leagues and act as a feeder for Phuket FC and other professional teams. This unique collaboration is the first of its kind and is a model which will help develop young talent and provide pathways to professional clubs as well as university scholarships.

To participate in the trials at the BISP campus, footballers should arrive in Phuket on Friday, January 24. All trialists will stay in the school’s boarding houses during the weekend. The total cost, including airport transfers, two night’s accommodation and all meals and snacks is 2,800 baht.

To apply to take part in the trials at BISP on 25/26 January 2014 please complete the application form via the school’s website before December 1, 2013. Applicants who are invited to the January trials will be notified before December 13, 2013.

For more information please email Head of PE at BISP rstockings@bisphuket.ac.th.