Let me begin by welcoming you to Shield Academy. Shield was established in 2007 in order to grant young people of all abilities the access to a good level of coaching. The 3 years of our existence so far has gone so quickly. There have been many changes to the club, in personnel, members and facilities. From starting with roughly 20 boys, we have now around 170 boys at the club, and are growing. I hope that this letter will give you the relevant information about Shield Academy YFC.
The birth of Shield Academy was instigated by club Director of Football, Dan Seymour. Dan’s idea to name the club in this way was due to two reasons:
1. The idea of shielding is to protect the young people in our care, giving them a safe environment to develop within.
2. The idea of an academy means to provide the highest standard of coaching and quality possible.
Dan, along with Matt Harding, Richard Fox, David Harding and Dave Byrne confirmed the birth of Shield Academy, launching its first ever season in 2007.
2007/08
The first season was one of real importance and real excitement to all at Shield Academy. With our teams playing their first ever matches, times were very exciting. The first ever season was capped perfectly with the under 8’s taking the title, and Rhian Brewster signing for Chelsea FC!
Here’s how it went:
Shield has 4 teams.
Shield teams are all playing in the Thundermite Youth Football League.
All Shield teams consolidate their positions within their respective leagues.
Shield Under 8’s Win the Thundermite ‘A’ division and are promoted to the Premier Division.
Accolades:
- Under 10’s Crowned Champions of the Thundermite ‘A’ Division
- Rhian Brewster signs for Chelsea FC
- Director of Football, Dan Seymour appointed to the Chelsea FC Academy staff
Other Landmarks:
- Nick Duke appointed the club’s second ever Secretary
- Shield’s first ever team accepted to the ECHO League for the 2008/09 season
2008/09
The second season was a season of real building at Shield Academy. Although not as successful as the first season, it saw the club rise to around 90 boys. The highlight of the season was the under 9’s finishing second in the Premier Division.
Here’s how it went:
Shield has 7 teams.
All Shield teams consolidate their positions within their respective leagues.
Shield Under 9’s finish second in the Thundermite ‘A’ division and are promoted to the Premier Division.
Accolades:
- Under 9’s finish runners up in the Thundermite ‘Premier’ Division
Other Landmarks:
- Shield Academy are accepted into the ECHO Junior Football League
- Alex Cancar appointed GK Coach
- Brian Green is confirmed as the club’s second ever Chairman
2009/10
The third season was action packed and exciting. This was the turning point in the club’s history with the club adopting brand new kit colours. Many games were cancelled due to the rain, leaving the season to last longer than usual. Shield rose to 150 boys, nearly doubling inside. The highlight of the season was the U10 A’s winning promotion to the Echo League ‘A’ Division.
Here’s how it went:
Shield has 10 teams.
Shield teams are all playing in the Echo Junior Football League Thundermite Youth Football League.
All Shield teams consolidate their positions within their respective leagues.
Shield Under 10’s finish 2nd in the Thurdermite PreWin the Thundermite ‘A’ division and are promoted to the Premier Division.
Accolades:
- Under 10’s finish 2nd in the Echo ‘B’ Division
- Lewis Englishby signs for Wycombe
- Salim Nassor signs for Reading