July 2011

Gill Appointed Football Academy Boss

Kidderminster Harriers and Stourbridge College have appointed former Birmingham City and Cheltenham Town man, Jerry Gill, the new joint partnership Football Academy Manager. Jerry, who boasts experience from a playing career spanning almost 25 years, has been handed one of the most crucial partnership roles – overseeing the playing and academic progress of the 70 students who have been successfully selected to join the new Football Academy.

Jerry has joined the college on a full time basis. With extensive knowledge of both the non-league and professional playing and coaching circuit, the Clevedon born, former Weymouth boss has demonstrated a keen enthusiasm for a role that is an integral part of bringing both football and education to a generation of young people.

He commented: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with Stourbridge College in setting up this fantastic new academy. I know how these partnerships operate having worked as part of one when I began coaching at Birmingham City. Our main aim during the first year will be to get our procedures right and ensure we instill a sense of discipline into the lads. We want them to apply themselves correctly both on and off the pitch – this won’t be a ‘jolly-up’ and, quite simply, if an individual isn’t striving to achieve academically then they won’t even get close to playing football.”

Russ Henry, Assistant Principal at Stourbridge College, said: “Our academic programme offers a varied and interesting range of sports course and apprenticeships which will engage students off the pitch. The reality is that we’re looking at a very small number who will be fortunate enough to progress on to the first team so the education we’re offering will play a very important part in shaping their future. Our partnership ethos is to ensure that Football Academy students prepare for careers in other areas in the eventuality that they don’t make it in the world of football but we’re also hoping that the Football Academy will produce a whole new generation of skilled, committed and experienced players.”

Clearly impressed by both Gill’s enthusiasm and individual record, Steve Burr, Harriers Manager, commented: “Jerry is someone I know very well and, I have to say, he came across tremendously well in the interview process and he brings a lot of enthusiasm to this job. It will be a good challenge for him and a good test. He is a very good coach and has a lot of experience in working in this type of partnership – and will be a positive role model for all our new students. He also has lots of great contacts in the football world which will help promote the new Football Academy to the wider community.”

« more news