Our Football Education programme sets our students up for great opportunities in sport, whether it’s playing or as backroom staff. However, there are several players who started their careers through our programme. Here are a few of our success stories in recent years:
Cody Johnson: Johnson began his journey in football through our Football Education Player Pathway programme in 2021 and has gone from strength-to-strength, earning a full-time contract with Stockport County. The 17-year-old impressed for our Football Education side and caught the eye of Stockport Town and Football Education coach Paul Turnbull, becoming Town’s youngest ever player. Johnson’s performances impressed County’s first team manager Dave Challinor and was invited to train at Carrington while continuing his development through the Football Education. He has now signed a full-time contract with the club, expiring in 2024.
Festus Arthur: Arthur began his journey through our Football Education Player Pathway programme in 2018 and made his first team debut in 2019. After developing his skills through our Football Education system, Arthur became a regular for County throughout the 2019/20 season, and his performances earned the young centre-back a move to Hull City. After a loan spell with Barrow AFC, he now plies his trade at Halifax Town in the National League.
Scott Holding: Holding started his Football career through County’s Football Education Player Pathway programme and has developed significantly, especially in his second year. Through hard work, Holding captained his side through the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup run and earned a call up to the first team shortly afterwards. While training with the first team, he also continued to work towards his Football Education classes and was signed by Watford at the end of his second year.
