Academy announce update to Cornwall pathway
Argyle Academy are delighted to share some important and exciting updates regarding the future of the Cornwall Elite Coaching Hubs and the wider Plymouth Argyle Academy player pathway in Cornwall.
Over the past five years, the Elite Coaching Hubs in Penryn and Bodmin have provided hundreds of young footballers with access to high-quality, professional coaching as part of the Academy pathway. These hubs were introduced as part of the club’s five-year commitment to increase accessibility for both signed Academy players and those identified as having potential for future progression.
That five-year commitment will formally conclude at the end of the current 2024/25 season. As such, we have undertaken a detailed review of the Cornwall programme; assessing its success, the evolving objectives of the Academy, and compliance with EFL/EPPP regulations required for Academy activity.
From September 2025, the Cornwall pathway will be restructured to better reflect each stage of a player's development and to ensure the Club operates fully in line with Academy standards.
We are pleased to confirm the launch of the new Cornwall Academy Coaching Hub, strategically located at Cornwall College - Camborne. This facility has been selected to offer a more accessible and centralised venue for players already at Academy level or identified as close to transitioning.
The revised three-tier structure will consist of:
Step 1: Player Development Centres – Delivered by Argyle Community Trust, the parent-funded centres will be for the first stage of the pathway for players showing early promise and potential.Venues will include Hayle, Falmouth, Truro, Brannel, Bodmin, Helston, Holsworthy, Okehampton and Launceston.
Step 2: Elite Hubs - Delivered by Argyle Community Trust, the parent-funded centres will offer more advanced technical and tactical coaching for players showing strong development and pathway potential. Venues will include Penryn, Brannel, Bodmin, Okehampton and Plymouth.
Step 3: Cornwall Academy Coaching Hub (New) - Delivered and funded by the Academy, the coaching hub at Cornwall College, Camborne, provides Academy-standard coaching and training environment for players already at Academy level or identified as close to transitioning. This centre will mirror the standards, programme structure, staffing, and expectations of our main Academy base in Plymouth.
The new model has been designed to deliver several key benefits. More children will be able to participate in the Plymouth Argyle Academy pathway, thanks to an improved pathway, ability to move fluidly throughout and improved accessibility to sessions across different regions. There is now also increased progression of Cornwall-based players into the Academy.
Phil Stokes, Academy Manager at Argyle, said: "The Elite Coaching Hubs have been a huge success over the past five years. This next step in our journey represents an evolution of that model – ensuring we continue to provide the best possible pathway for players in Cornwall while also maintaining full alignment with Academy standards. The new Cornwall Academy Coaching Hub will allow us to deliver an Academy-standard experience for players in Cornwall without them needing to travel to Plymouth. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the most advanced young players in the region."
Jason Chapman, Chief Operations Officer at Argyle Community Trust, said: "These developments reflect our deep-rooted commitment to Cornwall. By refining the pathway and launching the Academy Coaching Centre, we are creating more opportunities than ever before for local children to access high-quality coaching and progress at the right pace for their development."
