Luton Town FC’s Academy have announced that train operator Thameslink will be continuing their support for a 14th season.

Academy players get further education via a BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Sporting Excellence and Performance, and a recognised FA coaching badge as well as taking part in the Academy’s informal Life Skills programme.

The Academy also trains the players full-time and they play for the Under-18s in the EFL Youth Alliance South-East Division and FA Youth Cup

Train operator Thameslink has provided over 20 of the apprentices a year’s free travel to get to their places of study and training.

Luton Town Academy offers programmes from Under-9s to Under-21s

Credit: Keith Heppell

Dale Brunton, the LTFC Academy’s Head of Education and Welfare, said: “Thameslink have been an excellent partner for Luton Town Football Club, especially for the young men within our Academy, allowing them to develop both on and off the field.

“We have young men from a wide range of backgrounds and some wouldn’t be able to attend training and games if it wasn’t for Thameslink’s generosity. The partnership also allows our apprentices to give back to the local community via social action days.”

Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We work a lot with young people, to provide confidence building and upskilling opportunities that make a difference to their lives.

“This partnership with the Hatters allows young sportsmen to take up opportunities they would otherwise not be able to enjoy. It’s one of the ways we can make a tangible difference for the lives of individual people in the communities we serve.”

Midfielders Archie Heron and Millar Matthews-Lewis started their two-year apprenticeship this summer.

Archie said: “My travel pass allows me to travel from London to Luton almost every day for training, matches and my education programme. It benefits me socially as I travel with friends, making closer relationships with my team mates. Without the travel pass, getting to and from training would be very difficult.”

Millar praised the scheme, saying: “The Thameslink partnership has been very beneficial for me because it helps me commute to and from training without any costs.”

Midfielder Ed said: “The train pass from Thameslink is amazing and extremely useful, it helps me travel to and from Luton for training and games every day! It is essential for my travel and helps me very much.”

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