Rugby Town Football Club Academy of Football was founded in May 2018 and are due to start their 3rd season as a post school full time football education programme academy.
In only their first season they achieved their ultimate development goal when one of their scholars, Jai Rowe (17) was signed on a 2 year professional deal with EFL League 2 club, Scunthorpe United. Jai subsequently made his English football league debut in March 2020 against Swindon Town.
In Season 2, 2019/2020, they competed in 7 competitions. They have two under 18’s ECFA College League squads, an under 18’s Midland Floodlit Youth League squad and their pinnacle squad is their under 19’s squad who compete in the National League under 19’s Youth Alliance .
Their Floodlit under 18’s youth team also compete in the prestigious FA Youth cup.
They were also invited to attend two PGMOL VAR tournaments held at St. George’s park, English football’s training headquarters.
The Academy have had graduates over their first two seasons playing in the USA on scholarships and undertaking degrees at universities in England.
They have had 6 academy players make their first team debuts over the first two seasons.
The Academy had a remarkably successful second season on all fronts before the season was interrupted:
Under 18’s ECFA squad – 1st place unbeaten
MFYL Under 18’s Youth Team- 1st place
Under 18’s Youth Team- Reached the FA Youth Cup 1st Round Proper losing 0-1 away to EFL League 2 club, Grimsby Town, equalling the club’s record.
Under 19’s National League- 1st place unbeaten
Under 19’s – Quarter Finalists National league Cup
Under 19’s – PGMOL VAR July 2019 tournament Champions
Under 19’s – PGMOL VAR November 2019 tournament Champions
