Tai Chi aids Fulham youngsters

First year scholars at Fulham FC have been learning about rest and relaxation techniques which have been practised by millions of people across China for centuries.

As part of their NVQ, the youngsters went along to a local Tai Chi centre to discover more about the series of slow movements still performed on a daily basis in parks by workforces throughout China.

Headed by John Murtough, Fulham’s academy has the reputation of being one of the most successful of its type in the country.

“The development of young, home-grown talent has always been central to the structure of the club,” says a spokesperson. “Indeed, if young talent is identified and developed correctly, a football club’s need to engage in major transfer transactions is limited.

“Accordingly, Fulham’s drive towards financial self-sufficiency is directly linked to a successful academy structure capable of producing young players of the highest quality.

“Our club always recognises the statistics that becoming a professional player is an extremely difficult task and there are no guarantees. Consequently, academy players are encouraged to develop a wide range of skills through the educational and core skills programme.

“The aim is that if a player leaves the academy without a professional contract they can still reflect on their experience at Fulham as being a highly productive one, and support is provided for all players who are released.”

Three of the scholars who come into that category are Robert Watkins, Mark Davidson (pictured) and Lee Hall who all completed their apprenticeship framework but failed to be awarded professional contracts.

Robert has used his qualifications to gain a place at Roehampton University where he has started a degree in Sports Science and Business Studies.

Goalkeeper Mark was employed by Fulham’s Football in the Community, while Lee’s qualifications enabled him to gain employment as a

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