The latest Boreham Wood PASE Academy season is now upon us, with all of our players, both old and new, returning for pre-season at the club.
The Wood are set for record breaking recruitment numbers yet again and the latest set of new boys appear as hungry and as determined as ever to succeed.
With academy training now back in full swing, the club are holding open trials at Meadow Park.
Head PASE coach Cameron Mawer outlined just how easy it is to get involved: “We are running three sessions a day, 12-1.30pm, 2-3.30pm and 4-5.30pm and we have had a really, really good intake so far.
“We are running open trials throughout August, so if anyone is interested, then they come along to a session and be assessed during training.
“You can apply for a trial online (CLICK HERE), or you call the club on 020 8953 5716 and apply for a trial, it is so simple.
“You can then come along and attend a session and we can have a look at you. It is very easy, and we are very open to new players coming in.
“We have still spaces within the academy for new players, although that is for a limited period, so I’d suggest getting in touch now.”
The club have taken on a number of new coaches during the off-season, with first team players Femi Ilesanmi, Ryan Huddart, Manny Parry, Jamal Fyfield and Connor Smith joining Mawer, Angelo Balanta, Danny Woodards, Ricky Shakes and David Stephens as coaches on the scheme.
First team manager Luke Garrard – who is also the PASE Academy Manager – has taken training for the new players as well, casting his eye over the new talent.
“The new coaches have all jumped straight into it and settled in really well,” Mawer continued. “They are so enthusiastic, and they really want to give their knowledge to the players.
“I think that the new academy boys have all really enjoyed being coached by them.
“Every player in the academy gets a FREE Boreham Wood season ticket, so the boys can come along and watch the lads all ply their trade in the National League and then go into a session on the Monday and be coached by them.
“The lads are all eyes and ears and they have trained with a real intent.”
Mawer has witnessed plenty of success stories during his time coaching in the PASE Academy, with Wolves’ purchase of PASE Academy player Ben Goodliffe in 2017 just one example.
The 32-year-old explained why the PASE scheme is so special. He said: “The lads are joining an academy in which the first team players take the sessions and all of the coaches are very, very good.
“The gaffer has also jumped in on the sessions and I take training myself. There are no other programmes in which you get that type of, and that quality of session.
“Yes, it has been intense, and the sessions have been hard work, which is new for a lot of them, but the boys have really enjoyed it and really taken to it. It has been a good first week.”
The sports and education scheme is completed FREE apart from a small training kit cost and it is linked with our education partners’ Barnet & Southgate College.
PASE is arguably the largest, and most successful scheme of its kind in the whole of the UK. Whether you are looking for a pathway into football, or a first-class education, PASE has a track record in both.
Mawer said: “If anyone is interested in coming along, then I urge them to do so. Come in and try and be a part of it and show us what you have got, it is such a welcoming environment and all of the lads get on really well.
“If you have got the right attitude, discipline and desire then you will succeed with us.”
