Big step up for Blackpool BTEC trio

Matthew Graffin, Grant Copeland and Lewis Martin headed to the first team training ground to join in with the Academy squad, who are top of their league and have won through to the final of the LFA Media Professional Youth Cup.

The trust’s senior education officer Mark Whalley was delighted for the students. He said: “It’s brilliant for the boys to get the chance to test themselves against players of that ability and an experience I’m sure they’ll never forget.”

Ciaran Donnelly, Academy and Youth team manager, said of the students: “The lads stepped up to the mark. They applied themselves well and held their own against players who have been in the academy system for years.

“Three of the youth team players who trained today have signed professional contracts with the club, while other members of the squad represent their country at youth level, so that shows you the standard they were up against.”

Graffin added: “It’s pleasing to see Ciaran take an interest in the education programmes we run within the trust and acknowledge the quality we have.

“We have a good relationship with the Academy and it’s promising for students on our programme to see the pathways that are available to them when studying with us.”

For more information about BTEC Sport programmes, contact the trust on on 01253 348691.