We were very privileged to be able to interview the Head of Education at the academy, Paul Tighe. We are grateful for Paul to take the time to do this interview and we hope you enjoy it!

First of all, for those who don’t know, describe your role at the academy?

I’m Head of Education at the Academy so I have the responsibility for the youth team players’ education as part of their scholarship and the liaison between the schools of every signed schoolboy and the club including managing their day release programmes, as well as overseeing the full time programme with our partner school Robert Clack for our Elite U15s and U16s.

So what would an average day be like for you at the club?

Visiting schools, ensuring the scholars programme meets the Premier League standards and the general welfare of all academy players. I also devise and manage a lifestyle programme for all our U21 players.

What is the lifestyle programme for the U21s and how does it work?

Workshops on things that will help them in later life – financial advice, social media, sexual health, mental health, addictive behaviour. Outside companies recommended by the Premier League come in and work with the players for an afternoon.

What is like when you induct scholars? Is there a special event for that?

Yes, normally at the end of May. Parents invited as well to an evening at Upton Park, short presentation from different academy staff, which include the academy manager on the expectations of the club, the U18 manager about the football, me about the education programme, the Sports Scientist about fitness and the Physio about medical issues, and then they sign their official contracts and have their picture taken.

What’s it like in the first year of a player’s scholarship, both football and education wise?

Educationally they undertake BTEC Level 3 in Sport, NVQ Level 3 in Sporting Excellence and Level 2 Coaching Badge. Football wise, it is tough at first getting used to the physical side of training every day as well as the pressure of trying to earn a professional contract.

What would an average day be for a scholar?

8.30 to 10.15 is an education session, 10.30 to 12.30 is training, then lunch, 2.00 to 3.00 is video analysis then 3.15 to 4.30 is spent at the gym. But this may not happen every day.

What sessions would happen in training?

It can vary. Warm up with the sports scientist, then basic ball work, technical phase of play and then finally a small sided game.

What does it mean by Elite U15/U16 and what is an average day for those players?

Boys from those squads are selected and leave their own school to join ours where their timetable is adapted to enable coaching during the day. 8.55 to 9.45 will be a school lesson, 10.00 to 12.30 is training, then lunch after that. 1.20 to 3.00 school lessons and then 3.15 to 4.30 gym or video analysis. Eight of our U15s will start this in September alongside 10 current U16s.

How close do you work with Terry Westley, Mark Phillips and other coaching staff?

Very closely. The Academy values the players’ education because statistically it’s very difficult for these boys to make a professional career, sadly. They need a backup plan for future life.

Finally, what have been your favourite moments from working at the academy?

Seeing a young player go on to play for the first team and working with some great people whose knowledge and enthusiasm to develop young players is second to none.

Many thanks to Paul for taking the time to do this interview. Please follow Paul on Twitter – @pauldavidtighe