The AJF Academy are a 'Registered Non -Profit' Community Interest Company - (CIC)

The "Education" factor is a primary reason why the AJF Academy project was created. We wanted to be clear in the usage of this important title, knowing it does not only mean 'Academic Study',  but also the gaining of very important general  'life skills' and a process of continued learning.

Sport and activity is a fantastic tool in bringing young people together, to promote an understanding between, and integration of, all sections of the community regardless of background, creed, colour, race or religion.
The basis of this concept was to fundamentally provide a 'long-term' plan & platform by which we, as an organisation, would be able to help these young people participate in an exciting 'nationwide' UK event, with the ultimate bonus of being chosen to attend an internationally recognised world class football tournament in the USA.

At the same time we wanted to present the opportunities that exist in education in relation to what our School, College and Universities offer throughout Great Britain, and  inform these young student/players of the 'very real' possibility of being offered a 4 year US scholarship programme, which includes academic achievment aspects.

Many of these 'youths' -nearly 2500 registered to date- including many released from 'Professional' club academies (after being part of a very close-knit group of talented players since they were young children)-are disillusioned, and for a variety of reasons, experience a loss of direction and self-belief. They may become disenfranchised from the main-stream and perceive part of society and 'The  Institution' as unapproachable. Evidence of 'why' this happens, icludes the breakdown of family, and living in areas of environmental and social challenge. These young people, tend to lose a 'sense of identity' with serious lack of self esteem issues and feelings of alienation. Some will end up with self discipline problems and complexes with confidence ,which can, at times, lead to depression and/or  an involvement in crime.This eventually has a negative impact and can affect many of us in the general public. At times,whether directly or indirectly-and through no fault of our own-we have to endure, & cope with the outcomes and consequences in our homes, and on our 'City Streets' everyday.

Since the inception of 'College Football Academies' - which essentially began in 2002 and was  a remnant of the PACE scheme-there has been a conscientious investment  of time and finance by organisations, including 'Government' institutes and agencies, to help these  young people,-especially 16 to 19 year olds-back into education. Most will gain important NVQ and BTec qualifications that are relative to their future employment and/or their continued academic goals.

As a previous head coach and tutor, at Lewisham College in South East London, I have  first hand experience and knowledge of working with these young talented individuals and have seen the positive effect and influence these 'football academies' have had on them. We were able to assist many in coming to terms with the reality of coping with  their 'everyday' life, teaching and advising them of the many pathways open to them in the 'workplace' (football industry related-or not) and for some, the chance to enter 'Higher Education', obtaining graduation at degree level.

As coaches, teachers, mentors we became both colleagues and friends. We gained their respect and trust. The majority were able to maintain their grades, complete their  projects, and at the same time achieve their goals, whilst maintaining their interest in an area that they had a deep desire to be part of on a daily basis.

The AJF Academy intend to offer every single participant, who registers and attends their trial, a detailed pack which will provide essential information of how to access these specific college courses, including where they are held throughout the country and how to apply. Unusually,many of these youngsters are unaware that these courses exist  or are open to them . We will be inviting college lecturers and coaches from every city we visit, to come and talk to these young people and to hand out their prospectus.

We will also be asking professional football clubs, local regional Police,and many 'Business Owners' to participate by sending their representatives to actively engage with these young people, giving them an insight of what to expect when they leave the confines of college and/or school  life, demonstrating how they could effectively make an important and positive contribution to society in general, as well as to their communities and immediate families.

We are presently seeking help from many 'quarters', and are actively engaged in pursuing assistance from  sponsors/benefactors/philanthropists and government funding agencies. We are 'at present' having to make a charge to these young people to cover the cost of holding these trials. Many of them come from socially challenged families and communities. They are facing deep financial difficulties that have been augmented by all the recent economic cut-backs.

As you can expect, this  is a very expensive and time consuming excercise, and we are hoping 'private and public' institutions and 'individuals' envision the uniqueness of this project, and want to be part of its success. A  national trial of this nature has never been explored or undertaken on such a large scale. The AJF Academy has, for over 2 years now,  planned sytematically for these trials, and have covered every aspect of organisation, to the very last detail, both 'on and off' the pitch. We sincerely believe this will make a 'massive' difference to the many communities we visit and-of course -to the young people involved.

If you would like to help or assist towards  a 'Life Changing' project, then please do not hesitate to contact us at ajfasquad@gmail.com and we will get back  immediately.