Argyle Community Trust
THE relationship between Plymouth Argyle and Lee Hodges stretches back more than 20 years, to when he first joined the club in a loan spell from Tottenham in 1993.
Hodgey then spent seven years as a Pilgrim from 2001 – 2008 during a period of wonderful success that took us from League 2 to the Championship before finally retiring to embark on a coaching career.
He was most recently part of the management team at Torquay United and it is fantastic news for everyone in Green that he has returned to join Argyle Community Trust as a Development Coach on our expanding education programme.
“It’s great for me to be back working in familiar surroundings,” said Lee. “The club is doing fantastically well, on and off the pitch. We’re all hoping the good times have returned and everyone has a smile on their face.
“I’m working as Development Coach for the 16 – 18 year-olds who have just missed the boat in terms of an Academy scholarship. It’s like a second chance for them on the footballing side, while they’re also picking up valuable qualifications.
“If we feel boys are progressing particularly well, we will get them back into the system to play at the best level possible. Players blossom at different times but it’s vitally important that they also work extremely hard on the educational side.
“From a football perspective, it’s a great opportunity to be playing the game they love. There will be some who push on to the higher level and potential can develop beyond the ages of 16 to 18.
“We are at the time of year when youngsters of a school-leaving age start to seriously think about their options for September and what we provide is a fantastic opportunity for talented footballers to progress their football alongside an education.
“We play against sides from across the country and the options with Argyle Community Trust include a Futsal scholarship, as well as all players in our education programme being considered for the Plymouth Argyle Peninsula League side, which often includes first-team professionals and Academy players.”
There are a number of educational programmes available, based at Ivybridge Community College, Okehampton College, Duchy College, Kevicc in Totnes, Wadebridge College, Redruth School and Sir John College.
To find out more about the Football Scholarship programme at Argyle Community Trust, please contact the Trust on 01752 562561 ext.4 or email community@pafc.co.uk
