There’s nothing like being coached by a former professional footballer to brush up on your game.
Students at Redcar & Cleveland College will soon get the chance to do just that with the help of Boro legend, Mark Proctor.
The former Middlesbrough FC star and coach is stepping up to share his expertise with up and coming young players at the college.
He said: “Since finishing professional football I have always had a passion for developing players.”
For him that has included coaching the likes of Middlesbrough Youth Academy, bringing home their first FA Youth Cup, as well as first teams such as Darlington FC and Hibernian.
More than 40 years of professional football experience, both as a player and coach, has given him an inside knowledge of the game that few can match!
Now keen to inspire and motivate further young talent at its grass roots, he is looking forward to bringing a branch of his Mark Proctor Football Academy to Redcar.
Helping young people to pursue their love of the game alongside their studies, he said: “I believe further education is massively important, so for those who want to enhance their game while continuing to study, the new academy is a win/win opportunity.”
The academy will offer Redcar & Cleveland College students the chance to train alongside their full-time courses as well as sharing personal training, dietary and nutrition advice and fitness testing.
The college’s programme area leader for sport, public services and the service industries Kelly Coupland said: “We approached Mark because of his local footballing roots. As a former professional player and coach he has so much to offer.
“We want to be able to provide further opportunities for talented young players in the local area who through the academy will be able to continue to train and develop their skills while still studying at college.”
She said: “It is massive for us as a college to have Mark involved, he is brilliant at what he does and his enthusiasm is fantastic.”
With the academy launching in September, Mark said: “This is something I find very rewarding and it’s something that I really do enjoy. I get a buzz from seeing people progress especially on the sports field.
“I have a passion for football because it is the business I know. Part of the beauty of coaching up and coming grass roots talent is that it helps keeps you young and fresh.”
Redcar & Cleveland College will be offering a series of trial events for the Mark Proctor Football Academy throughout the summer months. The first event takes place at the college on Monday (8th July), with further dates in July and August.
To find out more or book a place, visit the college website.
