A new academy has opened in Borehamwood with the aim of finding and producing talented footballers.

The Haris Hodzic 11 football academy opened last month and caters for Under-7s all the way up to Under-16s.

Unlike a number of football academies, there is no program of league fixtures for the players to compete in, with the ethos being that winning matches is secondary to the development of the players.

Players are therefore encouraged to continue playing for their Sunday League sides alongside their training at the academy.

Academy players will however play friendly matches against other development centres.

The academy has been set up by former footballer Haris Hodzic, an ex-professional who spent ten months playing in Bosnia with Bosnian Premier League side Olympic Sarajevo.

A former Bosnian Under-19 international, Hodzic began his career with Watford FC’s Hertswood Academy, where he spent two years before returning to his home country.

“I started the academy as I want to help children get involved in football, keep fit and healthy, and also depending on the standard, create opportunities for players to attend various trials at clubs in the UK and abroad,” explained Hodzic.

Assisting Hodzic will be several coaches who are also former professionals and fully qualified coaches who hold FA and UEFA coaching badges.

Sessions are split into age categories, with goalkeeper-specific training also available on Saturdays.

Individual one-to-one sessions are available as well as group sessions, with half-term training courses also on offer.

For more information, contact Haris on 07990013023 or email hodzic94@hotmail.com.