Wood's PASE scheme thriving

7:48am Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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More than 300 youngsters applied to join Boreham Wood FC's PASE Scheme.

Half of the 16 to 19-year-olds who attended the final trial have been recruited into the club's prestigious academy, making it the largest of its type in the country.

In partnership with Oaklands College, the students will be able to further their football career, but receive an education at the same time.

First-team manager Ian Allinson said: "Over the summer, the club has undergone major refurbishment in areas such as a new rehab gymnasium, a new club shop, a new academy, manager's and medical office. We have also added 20 computers into the on-site classrooms to further help the students with their studies.

"Having already refurbished our bars, kitchens and changing rooms, the club can look forward to next season with renewed optimism."

Commercial manager Wayne Theobald added: "The club has been transformed off the park in the last nine years and, although we've spent millions of pounds upgrading our facilities in that time, we have plenty of unsung people to thank, especially the Football Foundation who have been huge, plus our local councillors and Hertsmere Borough Council.

"All have supported our vision in building a third-generation Astro pitch, which has enabled the creation of our PASE Scheme, which has gone from strength to strength. We now have seven of our first-team squad that have come through the system."