Milton United hit the back of the net with sport education programme

A Stoke-on-Trent football club and a local training provider have teamed up to create a unique venture to drive the careers of aspiring young footballers.

Milton United FC has partnered with Staffordshire-based PM Training to develop a sport education programme that will allow young people to build work experience, learn a variety of trade skills and progress their career in football, academics or business.

Dan Canavan (pictured middle), PM Training’s Director of Operations, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Milton United to support the careers of young people. Our ethos is about getting people ready for the world of work, and with this unique programme we are combining the best of sport and work skills to provide young people with an opportunity to progress into a career in football or other sectors through apprenticeships.”

The programme will provide 16 to 18 year olds with apprenticeship opportunities, FA-recognised coaching badges, work experience, and first-team football experience. It aims to combine a love of football with a quality educational structure and real-life work experience, to help learners on their way to the career of their dreams.

Simon Knight (pictured left), Chairman of Milton United FC, commented: "I am a firm believer that many opportunities can arise through the medium of sport and, particularly, football. Here at Milton United, alongside PM Training, we are hoping to give the young adults of our community a platform to design the outlook of their future. We seek to actively engage with and encourage the next generation of future entrepreneurs, business owners and wealth creators of this wonderful city. Our Hardman Centre home provides great facilities for our staff to coach and captivate, whilst PM Training’s spectacular facilities allow for the very best in apprenticeship and work-focused training. This is truly a unique opportunity for these young adults."