Case Studies

Ravel Wallace – Playing pathway

Ravel completed his courses at the Football Academy in 2017-18. During this time here Rav (likes to be known) produced some outstanding performances. He also studied hard, attended all his lessons and is a well-mannered and polite young man. Towards the end of his second year I introduced him to local senior football with Cradley Town F.C who play in the West Midlands Premier League. Along Alex Harvey-Beach (another player from the programme) he immediately produced some excellent performances and these were against teams at the top of the division. He had already got opposition coaches and managers realising what a good player he was for this league and wanting him to sign for them and offering him a contract, however I felt he could play higher. After completing his exams and courses Rav got a job in a warehouse to get some income but I advised him to keep playing his football. He has done so and now is playing for Wolverhampton Sporting F.C. in a division higher – Midland Premier League. In addition to this being a great platform to get spotted to play at a higher level and being paid. He is now 19 and if keeps this steep upward kerb and development there is no reason he cannot move even further in the top levels of Non-League football with the likes of Kidderminster Harriers and Solihull Moors who offer full-time contracts between £300 and £1000 per week. Let’s hope he does and watch this space!

Jack Bolger – Coaching pathway

Jack completed his courses in 2017-18 with addition of Level 1 and 2 Coaching in Football. Jack enjoyed playing football but he is more passionate towards the coaching side of the game. He gained good grades in his Maths and English and all of his subjects and therefore wanted to continue on a more academic pathway. He is very pro-active and has already coached at New Park Village Junior club for the past three years gaining invaluable experience. He has coached the U8’s and three players have gone to Wolves and Albion’s Academy so far! At NEW we decided to start a new initiative and appoint an apprenticeship programme for PE and Sport. Jack is the first one to be appointed after his excellent work and commitment in his coaching, he is now working full time at the Academy. His ambition is to now gain his Level 3 (Uefa B) coaching certificate and continue his journey in football.