Four Darlington Apprentices have embarked on a Performance Analysis qualification accredited by Northumbria University.
Dan Burn, Phil Gray, Adam Hutchinson and Nick Thomson have all embarked on the 10 week programme that will see them become trained on Gamebreaker+.
The programme was set-up by LFE who secured funds for the roll out of performance analysis equipment, training and the creation of the qualification.
Fulfilling a number of development roles the training will allow the youngsters to take the first step beyond tape-to-tape editing – recording, playing, analysing and editing to improve their own playing performance.
The programme will also allow the four to produce an online CV of their football talents while at the same time offering 20 UCAS points to any University application they may wish to make in the future.
“Although performance analysis is not necessarily new its affordability and usability is now perfect for our Apprentices. It’s a fantastic improvement tool for them to use as players and it enhances what is already a very successful Apprenticeship programme,” said LFE’s Project Manager Dan Jolley.
“It gives our lads another string to their bow in terms of working experience in this area and that combined with UCAS points and an online CV means that players can maximise their progression opportunities if they don’t earn a professional contract at their Club.”
“With our goal of the month competition about to start this project could even take players to the point where they can submit their own footage to our site for broadcast,” added Jolley.
Meanwhile Darlington’s high-flying Youth team have received home draws in their next two cup games.
Craig Liddle’s side, who are currently top of the Youth Alliance North East League, will play Mossley in the third qualifying round at the Northern Echo Arena on Wednesday 27th October (kick-off 8pm) after beating York City in the last round.
The Quakers will then face Tranmere Rovers in the Youth Alliance Cup on Saturday 30th October (kick-off 12pm) at Houghall College, Durham.
