Goalkeeper searches for new recruits for Academy that gave Corinthian defender Dan Bent his chance

GOALKEEPER Scott Chalmers-Stevens and other Kent footballers are giving youngsters a chance to progress into professional football.


The shot-stopper, who played for Conference South Tonbridge Angels and Kent League champions Erith & Belvedere this season, is the Academy director at www.pro-soccer.co.
 
Chalmers-Stevens revealed he is considering his options for next season.  The Angels signed Clark Masters from Havant & Waterlooville after goalkeeper Lee Worgan decided to drop down a level to sign for Ryman Premier League neighbours Maidstone United.

Erith & Belvedere are without a manager after Micky Collins, 42, and his entire management team quit the club on Thursday due to budgetary concerns following the club’s promotion to Ryman League Division One North, just 12 days after winning the Kent League double.

Chalmers-Stevens, 26, spoke about the benefits of joining the Academy.

He said: “Since PSA started we have had close to 20 players’ signed with professional clubs such as Charlton, Gillingham and Dagenham & Redbridge.

“Our unique coaching sessions are all individually choreographed and delivered by our team of ex-professional players, mirroring the same training young pros at top club’s do day in day out.

“Our Academy runs from Year 2 (under 6’s) to Year 11 (under 16) training weekly and playing friendly fixtures against professional sides and Academies giving young players’ a chance to showcase themselves in front of League scouts.

“Just recently Gillingham Football Club signed three of our boys in the last month, including a player in year 2 (Luke Cawe), Year 8 (Theo White) and one of our Scholar’s Dan Bent, who plays for Kent League side Corinthian, has signed a two-year contract with the Gills.

“PSA run three Scholarship programmes across Kent at Wrotham School, Howard School and IOSA for boy’s aged 16-18 offering young players a chance to train full time with the likes of Steve Brown and Steven Watt whilst studying A Level Qualifications at the same time.

“All players’ get the opportunity to train two hours a day and play in the Kent School’s Academies League every Wednesday.

“Our Wrotham programme won the League this year and our IOSA programme won the u17’s Cup, which is a fantastic achievement and 10 of our boys are currently representing Kent FA u18’s. Twelve have since signed with non-league clubs such as Chatham Town, Maidstone United and Erith & Belvedere.

“Dan Bent, in particular, has had an outstanding season playing a big part in winning the League with Wrotham, representing Kent FA regularly as well as breaking into Kent League side Corinthian’s first team at the age of 16!

“This has of course brought with it massive attention from League sides such as Dagenham & Redbridge and Gillingham, which has led to Dan signing with the Gills!

“This just goes to show that players develop at different stages and with full time training Dan has really grown as a player and will continue to do so under the guidance of Darren Hare, who is a fantastic coach and hopefully go on to have a great career with the League One side.

“We are holding trials for our Scholarship programme’s next month and want young aspiring footballers to join the PSA Scholarship progamme this September. Our courses give players a realistic opportunity of breaking into professional and semi-professional football with our vast links across the non-league pyramid.

“As well as giving players the full-time football experience we also provide players with a pathway into Scholarship programmes in the States and coaching jobs with PSA.”

PSA’s coaching staff is full of ex-profressionals and semi-professional footballers, all involved with Kent football clubs.

Steve Brown – Charlton Athletic, Reading, former Dover Athletic assistant manager
Steve Watt – Chelsea, Swansea City, Dover Athletic, Maidstone United
Dean Rance – Gillingham, Dover Athletic
Alex Brown – Gillingham, Maidstone United
Lee Worgan – Wimbledon, Tonbridge Angels, Maidstone United
Adam Birchall – Arsenal, Dover Athletic, Gillingham,
Craig Smith – Pro Freestyler, Fustal Premier League
Scott Chalmers-Stevens – Watford, Margate, Erith & Belvedere, Tonbridge Angels

All players wishing to apply or want more info please visit www.pro-soccer.co