The regular Saturday morning football club, ran by Lowdham Colts is affectionately known as The Academy.
It runs weekly from 9am at the MUGA in Lowdham and welcomes girls and boys aged between 4-6years of all abilities from surrounding villages. The Academy works as a springboard for children with appetite who want to join a team sport and attend regular matches from 7years upwards and work their way up the league table.
Lowdham Colts Academy is organised and run by Barry Collins whose an FA qualified coach. He joined the club back in 2001 where he managed and coached a circa of a 100+ league games to all ages. In 2013, Barry returned to LC Academy and has been the heart and soul of it ever since! Barry’s coaching style is fantastic, his engagement is always positive and he manages to build on their confidence whilst allowing them to enjoy what they love doing; playing football!
Barry is assisted every year by his niece Hannah Collins, also an FA qualified coach and ladies league footballer for HBW in Lincolnshire.
Hannah has a key involvement in supporting the children and enjoys being a part of the LC Academy family. Her favourite part of the Academy is watching the children transform whilst learning how to pass the ball, tackle, score goals and most importantly enjoy the session!
To allow the football family to continue to grow and develop into league teams Barry will also support willing parents, he will guide them on coaching techniques and continue to give them on-going support.
The children were asked what they loved most about coming to the Academy: “I love to play a match on a Saturday morning” said Alice. “I love running around and playing with my friends” explained Olivia.
“I love winning the player of the week trophy!” Leo said. “I like to score a goal” said Luka and “I like playing football, having fun and laughing at the coaches!” Charlotte explained. Don’t just take the coaches word for it! It really is a great way to meet new friends and become a part of something really special!
This year The Academy are looking to increase their intake for the reception group both girls and boys welcome! There are also spaces for years 1&2 girls.
If you’re interested just turn up on Saturday morning at the MUGA in Lowdham.
Written by Sophie Marie Hopkin