The programme allows students to study for three A-Levels whilst having the opportunity to play in the National League Under-19 Alliance; the highest ranked league outside of the professional game for this age group in the United Kingdom and the Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League.
This gives players the opportunity to progress into the professional game as well as preparing them to move onto university. The scheme is open to students in Year 11 from September 2019 at schools all around the region and the country.
The Luton Town Cedars Programme has gone from strength-to-strength since its inception in 2011. In the last six years, an incredible 21 trophies both national and regional have been lifted.
At the time of writing the squad are top of their National League Division, in the last eight in the country in the National League Cup Tournament. Have reached the last 32 in the Country in the ESFA Elite Schools Super Cup, in the quarter-final of the SCFYL Cup and if games in hand are won will be top of their SCFYL Division.
The programme has demonstrated a visible progression for the students into the Luton Town Pro Scholarship Programme. Harry Tamplin earned a pro scholarship. Three other players Benji Crilley, Sean McMonagle and Gabriel Oakley have played a combined 20-plus games for the Luton Town Pro Scholars Under-18 team as well as spending long periods in the club on day release.
One player has appeared as an unused substitute in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final and three others have been in on day release but not played competitive games. Added to that, this season has seen Ethan Creary and Tom Baggaley spend a week training with the pro scholars as part of their development.
The Cedars/Luton Town Elite Football Programme is designed for players who want to take three A–Level qualifications whilst receiving a full-time football training programme.
The squad will work on a daily basis with two full-time Luton Town UEFA A Licence coaches. One is also the scheme’s head coach and the other has been Luton Town’s Under-16 and 18s academy coach as well as coaching and managing in the National League South. Cedars Upper School had an A–Level pass rate of just below 100 per cent in 2019 – this showing the school continues to justify its great academic reputation.
The recruitment process to form next season’s squad is now underway.
Academically, participants will need to have reached the Sixth Form five GCSE passes at 9 - 5 entry level requirements to be able to participate in the necessary three A-Levels for the Elite Football Development Programme. The three chosen A-level subjects must have GCSE passes absolute minimum six (subject dependant). If you are unable to undertake three A-levels you will not be accepted. Final grades are not a guarantee of acceptance; because of the additional pressures we may require students to have higher than 9–5 grades.
Cedars Upper School will ultimately have the discretion whether to accept or decline any individual application.
Decisions on whether an applicant is of the necessary standard as a footballer will be made by the programmes coaches either through a trial or through participation in a coaching session with the current group.
Once the squad is established and places are formally offered to attend Cedars Sixth Form, players will be expected to start training full time on circa Monday 6th July 2020.
To register your interest and arrange an interview and trial email stuartsmith.ltfc@hotmail.co.uk.
