South Essex College students score with Concord Rangers FC

The talents of two South Essex College Football Academy students have been recognised by a national football league team.

Taylor Armstrong, 17, and 16-year-old Danny Confrey have both signed for Concord Rangers FC’s first team as a defender and goalkeeper respectively.

The duo are currently reserve players meaning they could be called to represent the club, which is currently in the National League South - the sixth tier of English football, at any time.

The College’s Football Academy, headed by former Southend United Manager Steve Tilson, is run in partnership with Concord Rangers FC which gives students the opportunity to compete in the National League U19 Alliance and BCS League. The partnership also allows the Football Academy to play in the National League U19 league and work with progressing players to Concord Rangers.

Both Taylor, from Wickford and Danny, from Hadleigh, have played for Concord Rangers in the junior tiers and their impressive performances have been rewarded with a place on the first team.

Taylor said he was delighted and couldn’t wait for his first call up.

He said: “I have always loved football and dreamed of playing so this opportunity is incredible.

“The Football Academy course is amazing, and to have Steve Tilson on board is a real bonus because he has proper experience with Southend which he brings to the group. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Danny said he was equally pleased and encouraged others to follow their dream.

He said: “I’m not the tallest of people and thought it would hinder my chances of being a goalie, but seeing Jordan Pickford at the world cup gave me the boost I needed.

“It just showed me that you can follow your dream, and being part of the Football Academy and Concord Rangers has been a huge step towards that.”

Football Academy tutor David Birnie said he was thrilled to see the students making the step up in signing for a semi-professional club.

He said: “The dedication and hard work that Taylor and Danny have put in has been noticed by Sammy Moore (First Team Manager) to warrant signing first team forms. We will support Taylor and Danny develop further to push for a starting spot in Sammy Moore’s side.”

For more information about the Football Academy at the College, visitwww.southessex.ac.uk/course/football-academy-level-3-diploma or attend the College’s upcoming open event at the Southend Campus, Luker Road, on Wednesday 10 October from 5-8pm.