Barber joins forces with Leeds United

Barber’s elite squad and soccer school have joined forces with Leeds United’s Academy, to make sure there is a clear progression for Scarborough’s top prospects.

As well as that, Barber has snapped up two of the town’s biggest footballing names in Tony Hackworth and Denny Ingram to assist him.

Hackworth started his career with Leeds, playing Champions League football for the Elland Road club.

Ingram played over 200 Football League games with the likes of Hartlepool, Halifax, Forest Green and Scarborough FC on his lengthy CV.

Both will play a part in the recruitment and development of the town’s young stars.

Barber has a stack of qualifications, including a UEFA B, FA Module one, two and three, as well as a Youth Award

Barber said: “We are now running in partnership with Leeds United Academy, so sessions that we put on are similar to what you would expect within an academy.

“We will be working towards a curriculum aiming to develop the key technical, tactical and physical elements, which will help them develop towards the academy at Leeds United.

“We are keen to get the boys in from the age of three and four so we can implement certain things into their game from an early age as well as developing their fundamental movements.

“With all the experience we have, there isn’t a better way for any child in this region to develop as a player with the aim and dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“We are liaising with the head of recruitment all the time and already have two children in at Thorp Arch and hopefully another two joining very soon.

“We have some very talented boys within our groups and also some that we haven’t seen so its a great opportunity.

“We know its not going to happen overnight, but we have to give the kids of Scarborough the best possible to chance to become a professional footballer.

“With the staff in place as well as the partnership between Mark Barber Soccer School and Leeds United Academy, there isn’t a better opportunity than the one we are creating now.”

Ingram said: “Tony and I were fortunate to have long careers in the game, so now is our chance to give a bit back.

“Where is the next Jono Greening or Michael Coulson coming from?”

The free trials for the Elite Squad are taking place on Sunday at Pindar Leisure Centre.

The Year One and Two trial is between 9am and 10am and it is followed between 10 and 11am by the Year Four and Fives.

The trial for Years Five, Six and Seven is from 11am until 12pm.