Do you think you have what it takes to progress into Professional Football?

Introducing the BRAND NEW Shield Advanced Football Academy!!

We at Shield Academy are delighted to introduce the Advanced Football Academy, catering for advanced football players aiming to progress into professional football clubs.

Who are we:
The advanced academy is co-directed by Dan Seymour and Mark Thompson. Both coaches have a wealth of experience in working with advanced football players and will provide your child with the tools needed to progress to Academy football. We also work closely with our technical advisor, Nick Katsikas.

Nick Katsikas:
Nick Katsikas is a UEFA ‘A’ Licensed Football Coach who has worked in a variety of environments from Sunday League Youth Football to Academy Football.

Nick enjoyed a career in Greece with Panathanaikos, which was cut short however due to a knee injury. After hanging up his boots Nick became involved with his son’s football team, and it all took off from there!!

In 2009 Nick was awarded the UEFA ‘A’ Coaching License from the English FA, the FA’s highest coaching qualification. He has since gone on to coach at Crystal Palace’s Youth Academy, whilst also managing the Greek FIFPRO (PFA) representative side. His own son has benefitted from his coaching, and has since gone on to play professional football in Greece.

Nick is currently on the final stages of the UEFA PRO License.

Dan Seymour:
Dan Seymour is an FA/UEFA Qualified coach with 10 years experience of coaching youth, academy and semi-professional football.

Dan began coaching aged 15 whilst playing for Semi-Professional side, East Thurrock United. However a knee injury ended his career early. Dan then embarked on his coaching qualifications with the added fortune of working with some of the country’s best youth football coaches. Dan currently works for the youth academy of a professional football club in London. Having previously worked for 2 leading FA Premier League Club’s youth academies. Dan has also previously worked directly with the first team of a well known semi-professional football club. Dan additionally coached this team’s U21’s and Reserves. Dan is also a secondary school teacher of Physical Education with a degree in Sports Science (BSc Hons). He is soon to begin a masters degree in education.

What do we offer?