2010 ACADEMY TRIALS Darren Hare, DAFC Academy | 02February2010
Trials for next seasons intake for the Dover Athletic FC Football Academy are taking place during half term at the Abbey school in Faversham, on Friday 19th February.
The day begins at 10.00am with a presentation by Darren Hare, Whites' assistant manager and Academy manager.
Darren works at the Abbey School and coaches the Academy players, along with Dover Athletic first-team boss Andy Hessenthaler.
The trials will then take place on grass at about 11.00am and will finish about 1.00pm and anyone is welcome to attend that are currently in Year 11.
The Academy at Dover has really moved forwards and already there are signs that it could produce some potential players for the club.
Darren Hare said: "We are pleased with the progression of the players so far and we have strived to create a professional atmosphere in training and in games that will challenge the players.
"Andrew Miller has made several first team appearances from the subs bench along with Ben Humphreys, and Andrew has also attracted the interest of premier league Aston Villa which is nice for him, and as much as we would hate to lose him, I think this just shows that a Football Academy is a good place to ply your trade.
Academy players against Folkestone
"Our game against Folkestone recently in the Kent Senior cup highlights the importance of young players to Dover. Over eight 16 year olds were involved from Academy and youth teams and they all did themselves proud. I was very proud after the game, and I know the pro’s involved on the day were very complimentary."
Whilst the senior side attempt to climb the non league pyramid to potentially have a chance of promotion to the football league, the manager and Academy coach, Andy Hessenthaler, sheds light on his vision of the way forwards for the club and where the Academy fits in.
Hess said: "I want to take the club as far as I can and there are many factors that will influence that, and being able to develop home grown young players is definitely one of them.
"As we climb the divisions, it has been noticeable how the standard of players has improved, along with the physical side of the game. Being able to compete at this level requires a full time mentality for a young player, and that is what we are trying to promote here."
The trials are the first stage of entering the Academy as interviews will only be conducted after the trial is successful.
Darren explains: "There are three areas we consider before offering places here. The first is the football ability and potential, and the second is their academic record, and thirdly, but most importantly, their levels of application and behaviour.
"We will not take players who do not wish to comply with the ethos of the Academy. Hard work both in the classroom and out of the classroom is expected, and high standards of behaviour are expected at all times."
Academy boss Darren Hare
If successful at the trials, players can then choose their subjects they wish to study before applying to receive an interview.
The Academy currently sits mid table in the Football Conference Youth league after a first season which is pleasing considering the age and inexperience at this level of some of the players.
Darren said: "Having 24 players enrolled has meant a constant switching of team selection which has led to a lack of team cohesion at times. However, I took 24 on thinking some may leave, and none have!! We must be doing something right!
"This year there will be 16 places, making a total of 40, and the Academy team will be selected on merit."
If you want to attend the trial, please email your details to Darren Hare at the Abbey school dhare@abbey.kent.sch.uk.
