The Endorsed Group, a global recruitment and software organisation led by a local lad Ezra Chapman, has signed off a 5-year sponsorship deal with Mousehole AFC.   The sponsorship funding will get the new Academy off the ground and invest in its leadership, cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.  Chapman, who was brought up a stone’s throw from the club’s Trungle Parc HQ in Paul, says:  “I can genuinely claim to be the most local of all local lads, having been born in the house nearest to the ground.  As a kid,  I was kicking a ball around Trungle Parc from about 3 years old and finally hung my boots up when I was about 40.”  He jokingly added: “Sadly, I never improved much!”

The 5-year deal underpins the launch of the club’s new plan, which is totally centred around player and youth development, and aims to build sustainable success using the latest modern coaching methods across the age range, developing local talent and a unique commitment to draw 66% of The Seagulls’ first team squad from its 16-23 elite programme.

Chapman, who is also an active advisor with the club, explained: “There is a tremendous energy at Mousehole AFC.  At Easter this year I had an inspiring chat with a number of progressive Committee members, and we began to construct a new 5-year plan embracing the club’s strengths, its culture, the community and a winning mentality.   To be able to support an initiative with the potential to have a such a huge impact on the community and benefit for local kids is hugely motivating.”

“But just as important as sponsoring the academy, I’m working with the club on other developments to ensure successful sustainability.  This is going to require a three-pronged approach:  the youth and player-development programme, integration with local education and other partners in the community, together with expanding our commercial model – with the Nike partnership being the first step.’”

“Our biggest investment will be in 16-23 year olds, where Jason Blunt – joining us from Leeds United – will personally manage them and help them become the best players they can be.  If they’ve “got it” he will get it out of them, that’s for sure.  Jason was the stand-out candidate for the post among applicants from pro clubs all around the world.  There is a huge gap in player development for the 16-23 age group, with nothing like our scheme outside of Pro Clubs in the South west of the UK.  We want young kids and their parents to aspire to get on to the Elite programme at 16.  The best way to achieve that will be to join our Academy at an earlier age, where they will benefit from age-related training styles, a footballing philosophy and pro standards that are absolutely consistent throughout, with all coaches being led and trained by Jason.”

“Being from Mousehole, passionate about the club and the local area, it’s an amazing feeling to be helping to bring this vision to life.”

With The Seagulls’ long-term plans taking shape, club Chairman Tim Richardson expressed his delight with the 5-year sponsorship agreement:  “This is huge.  We’ve tasted success and we want more.  But this time round there’s a shift in direction, focusing on youth and player development.  We know it’s going to take time but we all totally believe in our player-orientated strategy for the longer term.  Off the field, we’ve got a range of major initiatives in the pipeline, which, when they come to fruition, will enable us to develop faster.  We thank the Endorsed Group and Ezra for helping us get there.  This is just the start.  Watch this space.”

• Mousehole AFC have announced details of trials to be held at Mounts Bay Academy, with online applications via www.mouseholeafc.co.uk/trials
  • Elite Programme (16-23 year olds):  Saturday 1st July, 12 – 5pm
  • Under-12s and under-16s:  Saturday 8^th July, 12 – 5pm
  • Under-9s and under-10s:  Sunday 9^th July, 9.30am – 2pm