Argyle Community Trust STUDENTS on the Post-16 Football Education Programme will benefit from a new approach provided by two experienced coaches joining Argyle Community Trust.
Matt Scholes has spent much of the last ten years working at Torquay United as part of their Community scheme, on the old Academy system and, most recently, with the first-team on a match-day, while his new comrade in studs, Dan Yeoman, combined coaching across Plymouth with graduating on a BA degree in Sport Development at University of St Mark & St John (Marjon).
The programme works with talented young footballers who are considered just outside the full Academy structure to provide them with continual development on their game, while also working toward a BTEC Level 3 qualification.
“I’m delighted to be joining Argyle Community Trust, working with Dan and lead tutor Lee Britchford in providing students on our programme with the best possible opportunities to earn a valuable qualification alongside their football development,” said Matt.
“Apart from a spell coaching in America, I’ve spent much of the last decade at Torquay United, working in the Community and then as part of the Academy. When the youth system was dismantled, we set about creating development centres to provide youngsters in the area with a clear progression route.
“I am also very fortunate to work with the Torquay United first-team on a match-day, providing the management team with assistance whenever required, helping with the warm-up and tactical analysis of the opposition during games.
“It is fantastic for me to be working with some of the most talented young players in Plymouth and the surrounding area. We want them to achieve their potential on the pitch and in the classroom.”
While Matt Scholes can deliver clear examples of the options available in professional football, Dan has first-hand experience in the benefits that can be gained from pursuing the higher education route to a career in the sports industry.
“My journey to this position started with a desire to pursue a course in coaching and sports development,” said Dan. “I enjoyed a fantastic time at Marjon, gaining a new insight to the world of sport.
“We worked very hard on the coaching side of the programme and this opened the door to a greater understanding of Argyle Community Trust. As a real-life example, the link between Argyle and Marjon is something special for university students enrolling on the degree course.
“I was coaching a youth-team at Marjon and then started work with the Trust. It was a natural progression for me to move from coaching my peers at Marjon to helping young people on the Football Education Programme.
“I want to be tested as a coach and help these talented players enjoy their football, while gaining a qualification that could offer a route to higher education.”
