Wednesday 22nd May 2013

"It's an exciting new adventure for us" commented Dave Bentley, former professional footballer and former Chesterfield Academy Manager.


(l-r) Matt Chatfield, Andy 'Bruno' Morris, Dave Bentley and Mark Jules open the Synergy Sports Academy in Chesterfield

Along with Mark Jules, the duo will be teaming up to use their vast experience and skills in football to continue to support the development of young players at a grass roots level to go on to a professional level.

The pair will be heading up the newly-formed Synergy Sports Academy, which will allow them to offer their expertise to talented local, national and international young footballers.

Bringing with them a wealth of experience, both Dave and Mark are UEFA A Coaches and will be utilising their knowledge and lessons learned from managing and playing at a high level. Both will be Head Coaches at the new venture and plans are already firmly in place to get going. Additionally, further strength to the coaching and training team will be coming from the familiar local faces of Andy Morris (aka 'Bruno'), Dave O'Hare and Matt Chatfield.

Andy has already spent years visiting local teams and schools and coaching youngsters in football, and is well known for his Saturday morning and holiday clubs. With Synergy Sports Academy, his role will continue this important 'grass roots' work within football but also work to encourage participation in other sports.

The ethos of Synergy Sports Academy and Espial FC that will be encouraged throughout from player to coach is; hard work, respect and trust - this is a fundamental requirement for all involved in the venture.

As part of the venture, Synergy Sports Academy is setting up a new football club called Espial FC.

The team will provide the means for youngsters to play in the local leagues supported by Synergy. Other local teams will also be able to benefit from Synergy's coaching through their inclusive approach and dedication to grass roots football.

Espial FC is currently recruiting for players and will be running trials on 7th, 8th and 9th June at Brookfield Community School and full details can be found on the website at www.espialfc.co.uk.

The team are excited to meet the next generation of top players and are encouraging young players with a flair for football to come along to meet the team, trial, impress and showcase your skills.

Synergy Sports Academy is hoping to use their expertise to strengthen the local Academies and development squads to support the transition from local player to local clubs.

Furthermore, Synergy Sports Academy is lucky enough to be in partnership with a recognised agent, thus offering players the opportunity to be seen by nationwide clubs (eg. Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City).

The other exciting part of Synergy's plans is that they are looking to attract 24 motivated talented players between 16 and 18 years of age to join the Synergy Sports Academy apprenticeship program.

These players will receive the opportunity to study for an Advanced BTEC in Sports Science or an Apprenticeship in Sports Leadership along with a Level 2 in coaching. Synergy also encourages players wishing to study for A Levels to apply.

Dave and Mark recognise the fact that the main reason grass roots football is so successful at present is due to dedicated parents. However, they feel that more resources should be given to this area - and further support given to parents - in order for this fantastic work to continue - and Synergy Sports Academy will provide tose resources.

In many European countries this kind of support framework is already in place. In Germany for example, clubs have 'A' licensed coaches (Level 3 and 4 equivalent) going into schools and supporting potential players from a young age.

With so many plans already in place and action, the whole team at Synergy are excited to get started. There is also plenty going on behind the scenes with a view to the future, including their 5 year progression plan.

Synergy are also delighted to announce that ex-England, Bolton and Chesterfield player Kevin Davis and local legend Jack Lester are heavily endorsing the plans, having commented that professionals do not often go into grass roots football and that it can open up pathways for youngsters, perhaps even internationally.

When asked what made Dave and Mark set the venture up at this time, both agreed that this was the right time as the opportunity presented itself to them due to a change in circumstances - and grass roots football has always been a particular passion of both men.

Mark jokes, "I thought about it and decided to go with this. My wife thinks I'm mad! However, my mind and my heart say yes and I'm sure it's right."

Dave interjected; "The group of people that are running the company and those involved are good people who work well together. No one is financially motivated and we're all pulling in the same direction.

"We'll have to work hard to make it work and we appreciate that. However, the trust and strength in the team will ensure success. The company directors have thought very seriously about the venture and everyone is fully committed."

For further information, please visit the website www.espialfc.co.uk or contact Mark Jules on 01246 518151.

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