Portuguese top-flight beckons for Josh

A Myerscough College football student is one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional goalkeeper after being offered a contract with Portuguese top flight side Academica OAF.

17-year-old Josh Powell caught the eye of the Primeira Liga club while taking part in the College’s warm weather training camp earlier this year and was invited by the club to train with them as a result.

The camp is an annual event and is part of the long standing excellent relationship the College has with Academica that has seen various visits between the two institutions. While over there the touring party take part in competitive matches, intensive training sessions, analysis and fitness work as well as team building exercises and sightseeing.

Josh, from Wrea Green, currently studies a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Football Studies at Myerscough and is understandably excited about the development.

He said: “It’s an exciting time for me and an opportunity to go and play at a good standard, learn some new things and hopefully improve my game.

“After our visit to Portugal I knew that some of Academica’s scouts had been watching us train and play and when we returned to the UK I found out they had asked about me and invited me to train with them.

“This gave me the chance to see first-hand the slight differences in training, playing and philosophy in Europe. I’m now really excited about what lies ahead and developing my game further.”

Academica OAF are one of Portugal’s biggest football clubs, based in the region of Coimbra. They play in the Portuguese top flight – the Primeira Liga - and have strong student links dating as far back as 1876, making them effectively one of the oldest sports institutions in Portugal.

Phil Brown, Head of Myerscough College's Football Development Centre, said: ‘’We’re all delighted for Josh and are excited for what the future holds for him. The partnership with Academica OAF continues to be a valuable and unique one and significantly adds to our student offer.’’

Myerscough College’s Football Academy continues to be the number one choice for students, with a sector-leading reputation in delivering excellent results for students wishing to progress in a number of areas of the game, including playing, coaching, sports fitness teaching or performance analysis.