A football academy has been set up in the island to try and unearth a youngster that has the ability to join an elite professional club’s junior ranks.

The Evolution Elite Development Programme (EDP) has been set up by Mike Jolliffe in conjunction with local coaches and former Isle of Man FA caps Nigel Shimmin and Chris Higgins plus Richard Jackson.

Manchester United and ex-Liverpool coach Jolliffe, who is based in the UK, explains how the programme is developing: ’I’ve been taking sessions in the island for over 10 years - I brought in the syllabus to Union Mills and that has helped them dominate youth football for the last decade.

’In that time I tried to get the island to buy into an elite pathway, but it’s not a direction the Isle of Man FA’s Centre of Excellence recognises and that’s fine as they have their own remit.

’The EDP will accelerate the very best boys in the island and give them the platform to perform against pro clubs in the UK.

’Our current age group is under-11/12, but this will go to multiple groups before the season ends.

’The boys are identified by various coaches in the island and are then get asked to attend an elite camp each time I’m over. If the levels are good we ask them in for an initial six-week spell.

’We take a maximum of 15 players at age group, some of which are a shadow group.

’It is very much structured like a category one academy with retain and release very much in place alongside a syllabus that sets out to prepare the players for the rigours of professional academies.

’We offer no promises other than to play in the UK regularly, weekly sessions and academy residentials in Yorkshire.

’The EDP is funded by a private sponsor and as far as I’m aware it’s the first not only on the Isle of Man but also in England to be supported like that. It’s our intention to fund all aspects by the end of 2018.

’We are completely non-profitable, with the purpose of creating a category one academy player.’

The group has recently undertaken its first trip to Yorkshire. This included playing and beating a side that hadn’t lost since March 2015.

Conference outfit Tranmere Rovers have been impressed with the programme’s work and are keen to forge links with the EDP as Jolliffe explains:

’Tranmere’s head of recruitment Tom Wyatt and chairman Mark Palios have asked to visit the island with me when I’m over in November/December.

’The link has to be of benefit to both parties and, with ongoing talks, I’m hopeful a relationship with a club with the history of developing players such as Tranmere will prove a fruitful one.’

Palios, who is a former chief executive of the English FA, added: ’We are impressed with what Mike Jolliffe has set up in the Isle of Man and want to work in partnership with him not only to give genuine pathways to the professional game but to establish a long-term relationship with both Mikes EDP and the football community in the island.’

Jolliffe concluded: ’I hope the project will not only benefit the EDP players but hopefully improve playing and coaching levels in the island.’

For more information on the academy contact Mike on 07887593563.