Elite Player Development
Seven age groups. One curriculum. A professional development programme for every single player.
Age Groups
Boys and girls, Under 8 to Under 20
Players are grouped by age band but developed as individuals, each with a personal development plan reviewed every term.
Under 8
Fun first. Ball mastery, coordination and a genuine love of playing.
Under 10
First touch, dribbling and small-sided games with maximum ball contact.
Under 12
Passing patterns, receiving under pressure and positional introduction.
Under 14
Formal physical development begins alongside tactical understanding.
Under 16
Unit play, video review and the first strength and conditioning blocks.
Under 18
Full tactical education, competitive fixtures and academic support.
Under 20
Senior training exposure and the final bridge into first team football.
The Programme
What every academy player receives
Not a training session. A development programme.
- UEFA/CAF-inspired coaching methodology — a written curriculum, not improvised sessions
- Technical development — individual skill targets tracked over time
- Tactical education — understanding the game, not just playing it
- Strength and conditioning — age-appropriate and growth-aware
- Sports psychology — resilience, focus and handling pressure
- Nutrition guidance — practical, affordable and locally sourced
- Video analysis — players see themselves as coaches see them
- Academic support — school attendance monitored alongside performance
- Character education — the club’s ten values, taught deliberately
Academy Week
How a week actually looks
Indicative schedule. Exact session times vary by age group and are confirmed at registration.
Two to four pitch sessions per week depending on age group. Younger groups train twice; Under 16 upwards train four times with a fifth optional individual session. Every session has a written objective drawn from the club curriculum, and every player is assessed against it.
Physical work begins formally at Under 14 and is always growth-aware — we monitor height and maturation so load is matched to the individual, not the age band. Recovery, sleep and hydration education runs alongside from Under 12.
School reports are reviewed each term by the Education Officer. Players falling behind academically receive study support before extra football. No player is selected for a squad while missing school — that rule has never been waived.
Competitive fixtures against academies across Mashonaland West, plus the club’s own annual district festival. Under 18 and Under 20 squads train with the senior teams and are scouted internally for first team promotion.
Trials are free. Ability to pay has never been a condition of playing for this club — hardship support covers kit, boots and travel for players who need it, funded by members, donors and partners. Speak to us in confidence at registration.
All coaches are vetted and safeguarding-trained. Parents and guardians receive the Child Protection Policy at registration, meet the Designated Safeguarding Officer, and can raise a concern directly at any time. Read our safeguarding commitment.
Academy Trials
Talent is developed here, not discovered fully formed
We look for attitude, coachability and character as much as ability. Bring boots, shin pads, water and a completed consent form.