Academy rated one of the best

ATHLETIC have been rated as one of the top category three academies in the country by the Professional Game Board, following an Elite Player Performance Plan audit in March.

The retention of the club’s status was based on factors including productivity rates, training facilities, coaching, education and welfare provision.

Academy manager Tony Philliskirk also revealed that he had been recommended to try for category two in the future — something that is currently out of the club’s reach.

“We have been given a strong recommendation to apply for category two and there are only three clubs out of the whole of the category threes they have given that recommendation,” said Philliskirk, who praised his staff for their hard work.

“We can’t do that, however, because you need a minimum of four of your own pitches which we just haven’t got, so we are realists.”