England and Manchester City Defender Kyle Walker, 33, has partnered with The Sheffield College to launch a brand new academy in the city.
Walker who grew up locally in the Sharrow suburb said: “it’s about me giving back to the city that means so much more.”
The Sheffield College will provide footballing and educational opportunities for young people aged 16-19.
Footballing academies in the UK have become synonymous with leaving talented young people lost with low-levels of qualifications once they are released.
It is estimated that there are around 1.5 millions players who are part of organised Youth Football in England at any one time; yet only 0.012% make it as a Premier League level professional.
The new academy branded the ‘KW2 Academy’ aims to give young footballers a “second chance” in Sheffield.
Applications for the academy opened up on Monday, 11th of March, 2024.
In the Academy’s inaugural year there will be 40 spaces available for young footballers, who are not signed up professionally, to continue following their dream.
The academy will hold training sessions three times a week utilising the brand new facilities at the College’s Hillsborough campus.
The England international appreciated the hardships and the near impossible chances of young athletes making it professional; he said; “If one player makes it then I’ve done my job”.
This is the second time that an England international has taken positive action against the poor structural processes of the academy systems in this country.
Walker’s England teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold launched ‘The After Academy’ to aid young footballers who don’t make it professionally to access employment opportunities after being released from academies.
This announcement comes at a time when rumours are circulating Walker’s future prospects, with the Defender indicating a return to his boyhood club Sheffield United.
Walker said: “I have dreams that I’d like to fulfil. I’ve been very open about saying I want to finish my career at Sheffield United”.
Walker’s decision to open up this foundation at this period hints that a move back to the Steel City is imminent for the 33 year old.
