EDUCATION

The continual educational development of the player is a crucial part of the Apprenticeship Programme.

We take our commitment to education very seriously at Ipswich Town and seek to create a solid working relationship with all of our educational providers. We view the educational element not only as a `safety net' should the boys not fulfil their football ambitions, but also as an opportunity to teach life skills that will prove valuable throughout their lifetime.

Our involvement is basically at two levels:

1) Academy Schoolboy Registration (8-16 years)

At this stage we seek to build a relationship with the player's school that leads to an open channel of communication. From this any potential problems may be identified and resolved at the earliest opportunity. We continue this support throughout the player's involvement with the Club to ensure minimum impact on academic performance.

2) Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (16-18 years)

An educational pathway will be agreed with parents, School, Football Club and The League Football Education (L.F.E.) before the player joins the Apprenticeship (A.S.E.). The course he follows will be appropriate to his academic ability and possible alternative career aspirations. We will fully support all educational needs for a period of two years. We strive to ensure that the players who are not fortunate enough to achieve a professional contract receive advice and guidance from the Club and access further assistance from the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) should the player opt for higher education.

The Training Centre at Playford Road boasts excellent education support services. The classroom and seminar rooms are utilised for a range of educational activities and are available for additional study should the players require it.

The classroom also provides access to both computers and internet. Our educational providers, presently Suffolk College and Otley College, are regularly on site to deliver the various programmes on offer.

Sammy Morgan
Head of Education

WELFARE

We recognise that, together with the many positive aspects of being an Academy player, there are some pressures as well.   These are pressures which not only affect the player but his entire family.   We understand the enormous commitment involved in taking an active part in the Academy and wish to offer as much support as possible.

As the Academy Welfare Officer, I will do all that is reasonable and possible in all circumstances to ensure that the student's welfare is safeguarded.  The ITFC Academy is committed to maintaining and ensuring compliance with Child Protection Policies of the Academy, the Football Association and the FA Premier and Football League.  All staff, both full and part time, attend Child Protection training to promote awareness and encourage best practice.

The welfare of Academy scholars is particularly important. In many cases, they are living away from home for the first time.  We endeavour to make sure that the lodging accommodation provided for them meets their needs and provides them with a happy and stable environment in which to live.

Scholars are offered assistance in all areas both practical and personal and we try to make the time a player spends with the Academy rewarding and enjoyable.

In reality, some players will ultimately be released but in these circumstances, we aim to make this as positive an experience as it can be. Academy staff assist players in finding alternative football clubs as appropriate and offer help and advice in pursuing alternative training and careers.

The Academy consistently monitors and reviews its policies and insists that procedures are followed. Good practice dictates that a comprehensive anti Bullying Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and Complaints Procedure are in place.

Helen Broughton
Training Centre Manager & Welfare Officer