Fulham has seen a number of players make the jump from Academy to First Team over the years, but this is something that is only possible due to untold hard work behind the scenes. From identification and trial periods, to loan spells and psychological welfare, the journey from the age groups through to senior football is an arduous one.
To get an insight into the pathway, we spoke to a number of individuals who know first hand just what's required.
- Sean Cullen – Academy Director
- Huw Jennings – Head of Football Development
- Olly Sanderson – Under-21 striker (currently on loan at Sutton United)
Sean Cullen oversees the Academy programme. He ensures we achieve our mission, which is to be an Academy that drives success, where every individual fulfils their full potential.
He delved into the journey that an Academy player goes through in the hope of making their professional debut.
“Our Academy follows routines, which connects to the First Team. We want to prepare the young players as much as possible, so therefore they are ready for the biggest step up within the pathway.
“We have excellent staff around the players, who ensure we are getting the best performance possible out of them. Having Colin Omogbehin as our transitional coach sets up the leap to the First Team. It allows the players to not only showcase their performance but also give the boys an idea of what their future will look like.
We ensure we have the best quality coaches, analysis, support system, and facilities. Our goal is to excel in the player's performance and push them to their best capabilities.
Sean Cullen
Academy Director
Sean further explained, “Despite the physical demands of a professional footballer, the academy holds individuals who are focused and committed to their pathway, which has a major impact on the player’s career.
“The Academy players are remarkable, ambitious individuals who manage the demands of being a professional footballer. We prepare our players, with our psychological provision. Most often it is not the physical barrier that the players struggle to adapt with, however, it’s the mental barrier that they have to break through to get the best performance.”
Moving onto the individual journey, Huw Jennings is responsible for Player Development. He plots the pathway that the players follow to progress their careers further.
Huw started from the beginning of the timeline as he discussed how young footballers become a part of Fulham Football Club.
“We have an excellent recruitment structure that identifies talent through connections, analysis videos or in person. Then, the next stage will be a trial which can be extended up until eight weeks.”
As the players develop into the programme, many follow the loan pathway route.
"There are 12 players currently on loans to widen their experience as a young professional. We look at each player individually, to design the perfect pathway for the players. We have a Player Care team, who help oversee the boys to ensure the transitional process is as smooth as possible, and as the Academy, we will continue to support and follow the player’s journey.”
Huw reflected on the importance of following each player's development and touched on the experiences that they go through.
“On loan, the players will understand the demands of playing in a professional club at a high level. But they remain grounded and understand the importance of the loan movement for pursuing their career, which will help showcase their talent.
Hard work is crucial, they will need to be prepared for the big jump and know the expectations that are required of them.
Huw Jennings
Head of Football Development
In some cases, young players make the step up to join the First Team and the club help ensure that they are mentally ready for the challenges ahead.
He finished with: “Our players have all the possible support to push them to pursue their desires.
“By focusing attention on the future of each individual, it gives them the best possible chance to grow into a young professional football player.“
Our Under-21 striker Olly Sanderson has recently made the step up from the National League to League Two side Sutton United, where he will spend the remainder of the season. Prior to his move, he shared his personal experience on the transition process from Academy to senior football (at Oxford City) and how this helped develop him.
The 20-year-old said: “The loan experience has impacted my development in such a positive way. Playing in a men’s team with an age range from 19-35, has enabled my physical progression in situations that I may have not experienced before.
“Being around senior players has allowed me to use my body more effectively when protecting the ball. For example, being capable to intercept opposition passes to stop further progression down the pitch.”
Many Academy players follow the loan pathway when developing their career, as it enables them to get greater opportunities and flourish in senior setups. Playing first team football can be crucial as they bid for senior minutes at the club.
Olly added: “Going on loan at a young age changed my mentality.
“Being at Fulham since the age of eight, playing with the same players week in and week out, it was a challenge being around a new changing room. However, I settled in fairly quickly after a few weeks.”
He concluded: “The players, staff and fans have been supportive and I have received a lot of encouragement in training and during games.
“Being on loan and playing in men’s football has given me more confidence to go and push even further.”
