Our latest group of aspiring football coaches embarked on their journey with the Made in Fulham programme in October. Now in their third month of coach education, they continue to develop their skills under the guidance of our experienced coaching team.
Throughout this journey, the group has gained invaluable hands-on experience across a range of our football programmes, engaging with diverse participants and exploring how tailored coaching techniques can foster better connections with the young people we work with.
In December, the group welcomed Wesley Tracey, Fulham FC’s U10s Academy Coach. Wesley provided a valuable glimpse into the realities of coaching within an academy system, emphasising the paramount importance of player welfare at Fulham FC and sharing some of the challenges he has encountered in his coaching career.
Academy coaching offers a unique opportunity within the framework of a professional club, demanding the highest standards of coaching while acknowledging the growing pressures faced by young players in these systems. To coach effectively in this environment, it is crucial to recognise these pressures while maintaining a focus on holistic development—helping young players grow both as athletes and individuals, aligned with the club’s core values, in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Session in practice
Following his presentation, the group visited Motspur Park’s indoor dome facility to observe Fulham FC’s U10s in action. The training session, centred on the theme of “Intelligent Defending (High Press)”, which was a practical demonstration of concepts Wesley had introduced earlier that evening. The session aimed to teach players how to recognise visual cues for pressing as a cohesive unit, striking the right balance between timing and positioning to effectively challenge for the ball.
“I liked seeing the level of intensity from the U10s and their desire to learn more while also recognising the detail behind their session plan and how the coaches planned to work with specific member of the group to help them improve.” – Made in Fulham, Participant.
Supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers' Association, the Made in Fulham programme provides participants with valuable opportunities to grow and develop through work experience, education, and mentoring.
"Having the chance to attend a coaching session within the Fulham FC Academy was an amazing opportunity for our Made in Fulham participants. They were able to observe what it's like to be a coach (and player) in a performance environment. I'm really grateful to Wes (U10s Lead Coach) for sharing some amazing insight about the session and fantastic career advice with all the Made in Fulham participants. It was a truly inspirational and enlightening experience for all." – Richard Austria, Youth Engagement Officer.
Made in Fulham is supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers' Association. Administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.
