In today’s society, children are being entered into football earlier than ever. The never ending popularity of grass roots football is encouraging the increasing participation of young football players. It is therefore vital that the parent has an understanding of the appropriateness of a football club, in order to ensure that the club they join their child to will provide a great environment and experience for competitive football.
SHIELD Academy was created in 2007, By Dan Seymour, Matt Harding & the late Richard Fox. The need for SHIELD’s birth was to encourage the improving coaching standards now being delivered in youth football.
SHIELD Academy has been created to provide a positive football environment for anyone who comes in to contact with the club, regardless of who they are, and who they play for.
The aim of SHIELD Academy is to provide a progressive link for youth football. Through the introduction and nurturing of young footballers, linking all the way through to our football club and advanced coaching school. Our aim is to encourage and develop young footballers through the appropriate techniques, to not only educate and stimulate them, but to give them the confidence to be expressive with a football.
The name Shield Academy was devised by club Director of Football and Founder, Dan Seymour. Dan’s own experiences as a player and a coach led to him to devising a name that would not just make the club recogniseable, but additionally highlight our philosophy and mission statement.
So what does it mean?
Shield: To provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to learn, develop and play.
Academy: To introduce a new and fresh way of coaching and training. To replicate the Academy way of training.
Combined we have Shield Academy, a club which now boasts around 150 boys, and is ever increasing!!
Welcome to Shield Academy!!
Mission Statement
Shield Academy’s mission statement is as follows;
- To provide opportunities for all of our players. This is regardless of their age, ability and ethnicity.
- To provide and maintain the highest standard of coaching, and excellence in the learning and development of football techniques, attitudes and sportsmanship.
- To develop coaching links through our community soccer schools, our football club, and advanced coaching centers.
- To coach appropriately with recognition of academic study into sports science and coaching.
- To consistently comply with best practice guidelines.
- To provide an honest and transparent service.
- To provide a service that ensures that the safety and welfare of every child and young person in our care is paramount.