Latest Academy News
More information coming soon.
As an Academy we are focused on creating and building our links with local clubs and coaches. Local clubs and coaches are essential in the work we do and working effectively together can only benefit both parties.
We currently work with and support a number of local clubs/organisations in a variety of ways:
- Players - local clubs and coaches recommend players for potential trial opportunities with the Academy
- Exit routes - The Academy can provide exit routes for players who are not successful in being retained within the programme
- CPD - The Academy Head of Coaching & head of Recruitment provide CPD opportunities for coaches within the clubs as part of their development.
Currently we are working with the following clubs:
Wyrley Juniors FC
Stourbridge FC
Rising Stars
Sporting Khalsa
Future Pro
If your club / coaches would be interested in discussing potential opportunities please email our Head of Coaching - lee.rostron@walsallfc.co.uk
Our coach development programme is designed around the principle of BETTER COACHES = BETTER PLAYERS.
All of our Academy staff go through a thorough Training Needs Analysis and have access to support which is both bespoke and linked to their Development Action Plans as well as a programme of CPD linked to the Academy principles.
Click here to read more about how we coach.
Our Coach Volunteer programme is designed with 2 primary goals in mind.
Firstly, the programme can be accessed by local coaches who are L2 qualified and have an interest in future careers within the Academy system. These coaches will be expected to commit to support 2 sessions / games each week to support their personal development and growth whilst also giving them insight into coaching within the professional game.
Secondly, the programme helps us to identify future coaches who can progress into PT paid coaching roles when the opportunity arises and they are suitably qualified and experienced.
Any coaches interested in speaking to us about coach volunteer opportunities should initially make contact with our Head of Coaching by sending their coaching CV and a cover letter explaining their reasons for wanting to join the programme to - lee.rostron@walsallfc.co.uk
Our volunteers said:
Jakub Zlotek, L1 coach and University of Wolverhampton Student: “I would like to be a part of volunteer programme to work together with academy coaches to influence players performance. I also aim to develop analysis resources to enhance player development.”
Matt Coley, L2 coach – currently working towards UEFA B: “Looking to progress my coaching. It’s helped so far by giving me exposure to an elite environment.”
Kilmen Peterthevaraj, L2 coach: “As part of my coach development, I’m keen on developing as a coach learning from all the coaches involved in the academy at Walsall particularly after recently completing my UEFA C.”
Hugo Pinto, L2 coach – currently working towards UEFA B, University of Wolverhampton student: “This has helped me to understand how a professional football club is run. It will help to build up my confidence working with the team, understanding a scout’s role and what they look for in players and their abilities.”
Kristien Hinev, L2 coach and University of Wolverhampton student: “I believe the future for Walsall's academy is looking good considering what you told us about your long term plan a couple of months ago, and I would like to be part of this transformation. Also, as someone with many goals for the future my next step would be to be full time in academy and starting in Walsall in December was the right step for that providing me with experience and learning opportunities.”
U16 – Duane Allen/Darren Read
U15 – Chris McCoy/Simon Noakes
U14 – Carl Nolan/Ryan Conneelly
U13 - Manraj Sucha/Brandon Bevins
U12 – Kieran Squire/Marcus Johnson
U11 – Dejon Hylton/Umit Eminoglu
U10 – Hugo Pinto/Matt Beach
U9 – Matt Coley/Geovannie Shaw
Pre academy – Martin Lake + coach volunteers
Head of S & C - Will Heath
Sports Therapist - Faye Haycock, Mariam Azam, Gavin Fernandes, Will Hardman, Shuah Okonmah
Head of Academy Player Care - Tom Lister-Jones
Head of Education/Welfare & Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lee Fraser
