Steve Staunton is giving something back
Ever since he was signed by Liverpool as a 17-year-old, football has been Steve Staunton's life.
Three decades on, he's determined to give something back.
Next September, the former Liverpool and Villa defender, Republic of Ireland international and manager will open the Steve Staunton Football Academy.
Based at Lichfield City FC, it will offer youngsters between 16 and 18 the chance to develop their football skills while also continuing their education.
Staunton is still only 46, believes he has plenty to offer the game, saying: "It is putting something back in, that is the main thing.
The academy is being set up in association with PTC Education, who run a number of similar skills around the country.
They feature former professionals including Steve Claridge, Muzzy Izzet and Steve Walsh.
In addition to 10 hours of football coaching a week from Staunton and his team, youngsters will also receive 15 hours of education. It's the aim of completing a BTEC Level 3 sports qualification.
He said: "That's very important. Football is all these lads want but they must have something to fall back on and I think this is a wonderful opportunity.
"A lot of lads are leaving school and don't know what they are going to do next. This is an option.
"If you think you are good enough to be a player, can we get you back in the non-league circuit, or can we get you back in the league? More importantly, have a bit of education alongside it."
With 102 international caps and a Football League title winner's medal in his locker.
Staunton is not lacking in experience and knows all too well how tough it is for young players in a sport where so few get to realise their dream.
He is acutely aware many of the players heading to his academy will already have been written off and experienced disappointment in that regard.
He said: "It gives a chance to lads who have been released for whatever reason. I would love to give those boys a bit of education, the chance to fall back in love with the game.
"I won't be easy on them but I will give them as near to as possible what a professional club can.
"We have great facilities here at Lichfield, we know we have the educational side, showers, good dressing rooms and we know we can train all the year round.
"There are plenty of late developers, plenty of players who are let go too soon. This is a chance to give them another chance."
Alan Nixon, PTC education director, said: "We are delighted to have Steve join forces with us.
"He has a fantastic pedigree in football and someone of his calibre helping to develop youngsters both physically and academically is a great opportunity.
"We have already had a learner, Andy Rinomhota, from our Steve Claridge Football Foundation in Portsmouth, sign a professional contract with Reading."
The Steve Staunton Football Academy is taking applications for September. For more information, contact PTC Education on 01709 913600 or e-mail study@ptcgroup.co.uk
