’Well duo make their mark off the field

Oct 1 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

TWO Motherwell Football Club apprentices have shown they are as good off the pitch as they are on it.

They were presented with certificates in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance at a ceremony at Fir Park last Wednesday.

In a unique partnership with Motherwell College and the club, the two teenagers, Mark Archdeacon and Ryan Wilson, were released from training for one day a week for two seasons.

And netting the Modern Apprentices certificates ensures that they have a recognised qualification to rely on in the future.

The partnership was established in 2000 and since then many young Motherwell FC footballers – including Paul Quinn and Mark Reynolds – have been through the course, which involves learning about performance, health and safety and sports skills.

The qualification gives players an alternative within a sports-specific career.

Gordon Young, Head of Youth Development at Motherwell Football Club said: “I would like to congratulate the boys on completing the Modern Apprenticeship qualification.

“It requires a great deal of dedication, discipline and hard work to combine playing full-time football with further education.

“The high calibre of staff at Motherwell College makes it possible for the boys to go between football and education, with continual emphasis on life if football was not an income provider.

“Their flexibility to our schedule combined with the boys’ appreciation of the system allows us to work in partnership.”

Principal of Motherwell College, Hugh Logan, added: “This is an excellent achievement by the two apprentices.

“Not everyone makes a long-term career out of playing football so the qualification gives the participants a sound base for any future career.

“I also congratulate Motherwell Football Club on their foresight and their continued support for these talented young players both on and off the pitch.”

The two-year course is funded by the Scottish Government’s Skills Development Scotland.