Scholarship stars pushing on with distinction

Chris Maiello has made the jump to work at Premier League club Newcastle United after a two-year stint on the University of Hull Scarborough Campus-based course, while four of the current crop have progressed through to Boro’s under-21 set-up.

Steve Brennan, who runs the course alongside Matty Colven and Lee Sutton, is hoping for much more of the same as their plans begin to gather momentum.

So as well as studying for a BTEC extended diploma in sport and receiving 10 hours football coaching a week, there can be a clear path into the game.

Brennan said: “Chris was a distinction star student.

“He was offered a place at Northumbria University and has now earned himself a job at Newcastle’s foundation academy.

“We now have four lads in Tom Sutherland, Kieran Glave, Josh Towse and Conner Bell at Scarborough Athletic under-21s, they are all being signed on next week.

“The fact that they are training for 10 hours a week gives them something of an advantage.

“Matty had a 100% pass rate last year, it shows that it is all about working hard, there is a path through from the scholarship to the Premier League.

“This isn’t just a football course, it is a future, but only if its done with the right attitude and determination.”

The Scarborough scholarship side currently top the Category Three Schools and Academies League, having won six of their eight games this season.

Brennan, York City Academy man Colvin and development manager Sutton are now on the look out for more recruits.

They are welcoming girls or boys from either year 10 or year 11 to an open session on February 17 between 9.45am and 12pm at the Uni campus.

For more information contact Brennan on 07554006482 or Sutton on 07411509178.