CONEL Footballers Try Out for England Colleges’ Team

The Association of Colleges (AOC) hosted the England’s College Football Association (ECFA) men’s phase one trials at our Enfield Centre on 25 October.

There were four CONEL representatives from the football academy trialling in front of the AOC and Tottenham Hotspur coaches.

The AOC visits regions all over the country hosting trials for college players. Successful trialists move onto phase two and so on until a 24 man team is created with the best college players in the country. Students can be put forward by their college for exceptional ability.

Charlton Academy goalkeeper and CONEL student Akan George said: “I travel from Harlow everyday to be here (CONEL) because of the good facilities and coaches. I think I played well even though I’m currently injured so hopefully I get through. I also study Sports Science Level 3, which will hopefully help.”

Those who make it to the final squad will be rewarded with a football tour of Italy, enrolment onto the group’s training camp with a fixture at St. Georges Park, and fixtures against Australia and Wales in the coming year.

Senior Competitions Officer at AOC Sport, Ian Barber, said: “This is the first time we have come to London for a while. Good chance to see the talent in the area and good chance for lads to play at country level. Also great to come to The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and use their great facilities.”

Trials continue throughout London until 2 November. CONEL has expressed interest in providing facilities for the trials in the coming year.

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