Elite Development Squad (EDS)
The EDS provides the opportunity for players to make the jump to first-team football.
WHAT IS THE ELITE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD?
The Eastleigh FC Elite Development Squad is a selective squad that enables players to combine full-time training and education with the primary purpose being for players to progress into the First Team.
Our EDS (Elite Development Squad) is an extension of the scholarship programme. Selected players at the end of the second year of the scholarship are rewarded with a place within the EDS for the following season. Similar to the previous two years before, players will continue to train full-time whilst attending education where they look to achieve a Level 3 Certification in Sport and Physical Activity. This opportunity provides players an important extra year to mature and gain valuable experience, helping them get the best chance to achieving a professional contract with the club. There are also other potential pathways that lead from the programme.
The Elite Development Squad enables players to complete an additional year free of charge; allowing players the time to gain extra UCAS Points allowing the individual to progress on to higher education.
Players gain an additional qualification to their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport achieved on the scholarship programme. This helps players further their career opportunities by opening up more potential pathways in the Sports Industry.
THE PROGRAMME
- The primary objective of the programme is to progress scholars in to the First Team at Eastleigh Football Club.
- Represent Eastleigh Football Club at a competitive level against other academies.
- The qualification has a national learning framework of up to 56 UCAS Points (grade dependant).
- A professional environment where players can flourish.
- Places will be offered strictly by invitation only. We believe that an additional year of structured/full time training will give the scholars the best opportunity to progress into the First Team at Eastleigh Football Club and beyond.
- The qualification will also allow a scholar to gain work within the Sports Industry.
TYPICAL WEEK
MONDAY
Train as a squad in preparation for Wednesday’s match. Train at the same time as the first team.
TUESDAY
Train as a squad in preparation for Wednesday’s match. Train at the same time as the first team.
WEDNESDAY
Matchday (National Youth League/National League Cup/National Youth Alliance Cup).
THURSDAY
Opportunities to train with the first team squad (shape & tactical work). Recovery session/analysis in afternoon.
FRIDAY
Rest day
SATURDAY
Opportunity at an appropriate standard to play men’s senior football (placement assisted by Eastleigh FC staff).
EDUCATION
The club have linked with Juniper, who will be responsible for the management and delivery of the educational element of the Elite Development Programme. NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business Enterprise aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding relating to the business sector.
PATHWAYS
The Elite Development Programme opens up many potential pathways for players. Through work experience with Eastleigh Football Club, players have the opportunity to gain experience in sporting fields such as coaching, physiotherapy, and personal training. This is in line with their education course, an NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Skills for Business Enterprise.
- First Team Contract
Earn a full time professional contract with the club.
- University Links
Opportunities to progress into further education leading to university.
- US Scholarships
At the club, we have a number of links with programmes that offer players the chance to attend university in the US alongside playing football.
- Jobs in the Sports Industry
Course can open up job opportunities within the sports industry such as: coaching, media, sports therapy, and much more.
BENEFITS
Unlike a Foundation Year at University, there are no costs for the course. But this is just one of a great number of benefits to players who are accepted on to the programme as shown below:
- Reduced hours from Year 1 & 2 (10 hours per week).
- Represent Eastleigh FC in: the National Youth League, the National Academy League Cup, National League Alliance Cup and Hampshire Senior Cup.
- Opportunity to play Senior Men’s football on Saturdays (dual-registration).
- Given an Eastleigh FC First Team squad number.
- Featured in the match day programme and on the club website.
- Dedicated social media coverage of fixtures.
- Work part-time outside of the course.
- Work experience hours within the Academy/EFC Community.
- Opportunity to earn a First Team contract.
- Pathway to university/sport industry jobs.
