THE announcement this week that Scott Smith and George Gomersall had been offered first team contracts by Guiseley was a ringing endorsement for the work of the club's academy.

It was no wonder that its director, Dave Currie, sees it as further proof that all the hard work that has been invested over the past four years is bearing fruit.

Smith and Gomersall, both 18, join fellow academy graduate Will Wells in the National League club's senior squad.

If they can follow the path that has seen midfieldman Ben Whitfield earn a contract from Premier League Bournemouth, striker Jacob Brown join Barnsley, and goalkeeper Tom Stewart link up with Morecambe, Currie and his staff will be justly proud.

But the academy isn't just about football. Education is also a key factor with the intake of youngsters between 16 and 18 studying at either Benton Park School or Shipley College for qualifications.

"They come to us as boys, in many cases having been rejected by Football League clubs, and we help them develop into men.

"It is important that they have more than one string to their bow and education is a key part in what we do.

"One advantage we have is the fact we can wait a little longer to see a player develop than a Football League club can.

"I also believe it is important that the boys in the academy don't just play age-group football.

"We like to get them playing against men and a number of our players go out and get experience with clubs around the area.

"That is a part of their learning. And something I feel passionate about."