Cirencester Town Academy
The football academy concept was initiated by Cirencester College and Cirencester Town Football Club in 1996.
The vision was to provide full-time soccer coaching in conjunction with full-time education. This model set the benchmark that numerous colleges have followed and it gained the coveted National Training Award in 1999.
The Arena has been built as part of Cirencester Town Football Club’s ongoing development programme. It provides the club, local community and commerce with a facility they can be proud of, and it also marks the development of the first such facility, outside the professional game, in the country.
The Coaches
Steve Lowndes - Academy Director of Coaching
Steve has over 20 years experience as a professional footballer during which he represented Wales to full international level (10 caps). Steve holds the UEFA ‘A’ Licence, a BA Hons Degree and the PGCE in Physical Education.
Will Morford - Coach
Will has completed a BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Conditioning, Masters in Sports Coaching Science and is an FA Level 2 Coach. He’s currently working towards his PGDE in Teaching. He was a 2 year representative of the England University Football squad and he currently is playing for Gloucester City in the Conference North.
Stewart Martyn - Goalkeeping Coach
Stewart has worked extensively with top non-league keepers over the last 11 years as well as coaching the keepers at the Centre of Excellence at Cheltenham Town.
What Training is Involved?
Daily individual training and team coaching
• Individual player assessment and development
• Football Fitness
• Individual fitness profile and advice
• Diet and nutrition
• FA coaching and refereeing qualifications
• League fixtures (including South West Counties Under 18s and English Colleges’ Football league)
• Cup competitions (ESFA Colleges’ Trophy, FA Youth Cup, English Colleges Cup and Glos County)
Where Can an Academy Programme Lead?
• Careers in professional football and semi-professional football
• Football coaching
• Football refereeing
• Further and Higher Education
• Full-time work in sports and/or leisure related areas
• Overseas scholarships in the USA
What Will I Study?
• Academic timetable - you will have a full programme of academic/vocational study
• You can select from the whole range of programmes offered by Cirencester College e.g. A and AS-levels, National Diplomas and Awards
• Players are selected for the Academy on the basis of their football ability