The Academy takes players aged 5 to 13 years and is focused on developing footballing skills in a safe and fun environment. We have different groups based on age ranges (under 7, 8-10, and over 10s).

The aim of the academy is to develop kids so that they can learn the basics of playing football which they can then use to progress and develop into playing for the league teams. There is a pathway where kids start at the academy and once they are ready to play league football, the academy coaches refer the players to the league coaches who then assess the players and select them for league teams. Currently, we have league teams for most age groups and coaches are actively encouraged to recruit academy players to maintain continuity.

The younger age groups focus on learning the game rather than competing and playing against each other. In addition, we make the sessions fun – the players need to enjoy attending sessions so that they maintain interest and are engaged. In these age groups, the players need to learn to kick a ball before they can learn about positions, competing and formations. We have the players training on small pitches with small size 3 balls which are more suitable for their size. During the sessions, the key aim is to make sure that all the players get plenty of touches on the ball and that they become comfortable in receiving, controlling, passing and also running with the ball.

The older groups focus on developing their skills and fitness with the objective of preparing them for playing in a more structured and competitive environment. Here we want to enhance their skills with more challenging drills and practice sessions, so that they are prepared for playing in the league teams.

The key benefits for the players that we have observed are

• Learning football skills
• Fitness
• Discipline
• Teamwork
• Communications
• Social Skills / Interaction skills
• Learning Football Tactics
• Taking responsibility for situations