CEFN DRUIDS have launched a football scholarship in partnership with Coleg Cambria.

The programme will give players the opportunity to study any course run from Coleg Cambria Yale or Bersham Road sites as well as being registered with Cefn Druids.

The scholars will represent Coleg Cambria within the AoC Sports League under the programme, plus be available for selection for Druids at Welsh Premier League, Welsh National League and Welsh Development Under-19s League levels.

The selected scholars, of which 15 have already been accepted, will follow a syllabus both within the class room and on the football pitch where they will have five training contacts per week.

"We are excited about the new partnership between ourselves and Coleg Cambria," said Druids chairman John Hughes. "Combining our professional football coaching expertise with the educational opportunities provided by the College will allow our young players to develop both on and off the field.

"During the recent ‘signing’ evening at The Rock it was noticeable that the anticipation amongst our new scholars and their families was embracing and enthusiastic. We all look forward to a healthy and fruitful partnership."

Jayson Starkey, who has been assistant manager to first team boss Huw Griffiths, will lead the programme as head of coaching and youth development.

He said: "I am extremely proud and excited to be heading up this new partnership between Druids and Coleg Cambria.

"There has been a lot of hard work gone on behind the scenes to make sure this programme meets the professional needs of the players both in the classroom and on the playing field.

"It has been a joined partnership and a big thanks has to be given to Sally Jones of Coleg Cambria for all her hard work over the past few month.

"The chairman and the board have fully supported myself and the coaching staff in making sure we are able to create an environment which will have a long term benefit to the scholars as both players and people to give them the best opportunities for the years to come."

Cefn Druids Football Club are pleased to announce a new football scholarship in partnership with Coleg Cambria. So far 15 players have been successful and accepted onto the scholarship programme which will be starting this September. Players will have the opportunity to study any course run from the Coleg Cambria Yale or Bersham Road sites as well being registered with Cefn Druids Football Club. The scholars will represent Coleg Cambria within the AoC Sports League under the Cambria Druids Scholarship plus be available for selection for Druids at Welsh Premier League, Welsh National League and Welsh Development 19s League levels. The selected scholars will follow a syllabus both within the class room and on the football pitch where they will have 5 training contacts per week.

Coleg Cambria are delighted to be working in partnership with Cefn Druids AFC. Our scholarship programme provides opportunities for young people to study a wide range of education programmes alongside the development of elite football skills. Our scholars will be ambassadors for the oldest football club in Wales, they will have the privilege of representing Cefn Druids' heritage and Coleg Cambria in college football leagues. We've recruited a fantastic squad of scholars for our first year and very much look forward to supporting their development which will help to prepare them for a successful and prosperous future.

Paula Wood

Assistant Principle

If any player wishes to discuss becoming a Cambria Druids Scholar please get in touch with druidscommunity@aol.com