ABOUT US
KEMPSTON ROVERS FOOTBALL ACADEMY FOR 16-18 YEAR OLDS
“WHEN OPPORTUNITY MEETS EXCELLENCE”
RECRUITING FOR YEAR 11’S AND YEAR 12’S FOR A SEPTEMBER 2024 START
KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY COMBINES FULL-TIME FOOTBALL AND FULL-TIME EDUCATION, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, WITH OUR EDUCATION PROGRAM RUN BY A LOCALSIXTH-FORM(WHICH WE WILL SOON ANNOUNCE) AND COACHING PROVIDED BY UEFA-QUALIFIED COACHES. YOU PAY NOTHING TO BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY BUT YOU MUST STUDY WITH US – WE OFFER A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS FROM A-LEVEL TO BTECS
ALL PLAYERS WILL RECEIVE FREE TRAINING KIT AND FREE TRANSPORT TO GAMES, TRAINING AND BACK TO THE CLUB.
PRE-SEASON WILL BEGIN THE LAST WEEK OF JULY WITH A FULL TIME PROGRAM AND YOU’LL RECIEVE YOUR TIMETABLE ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED. WE WILL BE PLAYING SHOWCASE GAMES AGAINST PROFESSIONAL ACADEMIES TO ENHANCE YOUR TALENTS AND TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO TEST YOURSELF AGAINST THE BEST YOUNGSTERS AROUND. SCOUTS WILL BE ATTENDING MATCHES AND TRAINING ON A REGULAR BASIS TO ACCESS YOUR PROGRESS WITH THE CHANCE TO GO ON TRIAL IF SELECTED. YOU ALSO HAVE A CHANCE PUT FORWARD TO REPRESENT THE ACADEMY AT ENGLAND SCHOOLS TRIALS, WHICH IF SELECTED YOU WOULD REPRESENT ENGLAND AT ENGLAND SCHOOL BOY LEVEL. OUR COACHES ARE FULL UEFA QUALIFIED WITH A PROFESSIONAL PLAYING AND COACHING BACKGROUND.
THEY HAVE CREATED A SYLLABUS WHICH HAS OVERSEEN PLAYERS PROGRESS FROM NON-LEAGUE INTO THE PREMIER LEAGUE AND THE EFL.
WE WILL WORK ON ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR GAME ENHANCING YOUR QUALITIES WHILE IMPROVING YOUR WEAKNESSES.
WE HAVE CREATED A PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY:
KEMPSTON ROVERS FIRST TEAM
THE NEXT PROGRESSION IS INTO THE CLUBS FIRST TEAM, OUR FIRST TEAM PLAY AT STEP 4 OF THE NON LEAGUE LADDER AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP AND PROGRESS FURTHER STARTS HERE.
KEMPSTON ROVERS U23s
FROM OUR UNDER 19s YOU CAN PROGRESS INTO OUR UNDER 23s AND DEVELOP AT THE NEXT LEVEK WITHOUT THE PRESSURE OF FIRST TEAM FOOTBALL. THIS IS ABOUT MANAGING TO COPE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY WITH A LEVEL OF FOOTBALL WHICH IS CHALLENGING AND SETS OUT WHAT IS TO EXPECT FOR FURTHER PROGRESSION INTO THE FIRST TEAM.
KEMPSTON ROVERS UNDER 19s
THE NEXT LEVEL IN OUR PLAYER PATHWAY IS OUR UNDER 19’s GROUP ALL ACADEMY FOOTBALL AT THIS LEVEL IS UNDER 19s. WE WILL BE PLAYING IN THE TACTIC LEAGUE ON A FRIDAY AND THE FIXTURES WILL HELP PUT THE ELEMENTS OF FULL-TIME TRAINING INTO PRACTICE. ONCE READY THE PLAYERS WILL MOVE THROUGH OUR PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY WITH THE CHANCE TO PLAY FOR KEMPSTON ROVERS FIRST TEAM AT STEP 4 OF THE NON-LEAGUE PYRAMID. THE PLAYERS WILL ALSO GET YOU WILL REPRESENT THE CLUB IN THE FA YOUTH CUP AND SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS IN ENGLAND MOST PRESTIGIOUS YOUTH CUP COMPETITION.
WITH THIS PROGRAM YOU CAN STILL PLAY FOR YOUR GRASS ROOTS CLUB
THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PUT THROUGH THERE FA LEVEL 1 COURSE WITH THERE FIRST AID BADGE TO MAKE THEM QUALIFIED COACHES READY TO WORK WITHIN THE GAME. WE WILL BE PROVIDING OTHER FA COURSES ALONG THE WAY SUCH AS TALENT ID AND OTHERS.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
OUR ACADEMY PHILOSOPHY
KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY BELIEVES IN DEVELOPING PLAYERS TO SUPPORT AND ENHANCE THE 1ST TEAM SQUAD. OUR PHILOSOPHY IS NOT ONE OF STIPULATION I.E PLAYING THROUGH THE THIRDS, BUT MORE GUIDED TO DEVELOPING ‘INDEPENDENT OPERATORS’ ONE THAT CAN DIAGNOSE AND PROBLEM SOLVE DURING THE EBB AND FLOW OF PLAY. IN ITS ENTIRETY THIS MEANS THAT EACH PLAYER WILL BE EDUCATED IN BEING ABLE TO MAKE THE ‘BEST DECISION’ OF WHEN TO PLAY LONG OR SHORT, DIRECT OR METHODICAL AND PATIENT OR QUICK. THE PLAYER HIMSELF CONSTITUTES OUR PHILOSOPHY THROUGH THIS PROCESS.
Defending
PLAYERS PRESSURISE FROM A STRUCTURED FOUNDATION AT ALL TIMES
PLAYERS WIN THE BALL AS HIGH UP THE PITCH AS POSSIBLE
MARKING PLAYERS IS PRIORITISED OVER MARKING SPACE
CREATING 2V1 DEFENSIVE OVERLOADS IS THE BENCHMARK OF THIS PHILOSOPHY
Attacking
- INDEPENDENTLY DIAGNOSE WHEN AND WHERE TO PLAY SHORT OR LONG
- DIRECT PLAY THROUGH NUMERICAL OVERLOADS
- CREATE NUMERICAL OVERLOADS IN ALL AREAS
Transition
- PLAYER RETAIN THE BALL IMMEDIATELY UPON REGAINING (1ST 2 PASSES)
- PLAYER IMMEDIATELY DISRUPT PLAY UPON LOSING POSSESSION (5 YARD FURY)
- PLAYERS ORGANISE THEIR SHAPE WITH HAST WHEN REGAINING OR RETAINING THE BALL
COACHES
Academy Director
CAMERON MAWER
Highly rated Cameron joins to take the reins of the Academy from the hugely successful Boreham Wood PASE Academy. The PASE Academy has arguably been the most successful Football and Education Academy in the country during his time as Academy Manager. He has overseen 5 National cups in 5 years, 5 players progress into the professional game in 5 years and producing no less than 12 England College internationals during his time in charge, which is the pinnacle in college football. He has players all over non-league but it his lasting effect he has on his players which leaves him in such high regard.
Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town) Ben Goodliffe (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Iliman Ndiaye (Sheffield United) Ellis Brown (Derby County) Muhammadu Faal (Bolton Wanderers) have all benefited from working with Cameron and his friendly but direct approach.
As a player, he was at Watford FC from 9 years old and was released at the age of 19 after representing England at various youth levels making his debut against Scotland in the prestige victory shield. He went on to make a career in the National League before calling it a day on full-time football to get into coaching. He went on to play for another three years at different clubs, whilst taking on various coaching roles. His first was a job within the Academy at EFL side Stevenage FC before a stint out in Kosovo saw him broaden his arisen. He was taken on at Boreham Wood in 2012 and was appointed reserve team manager, Under 16 manager, Under 18 manager and U19 Manager a few years later. He had huge success within the next couple of years becoming the first manager to beat a Football League side in the FA Youth cup beating Northampton Town in the first round. His Under 16 side were narrowly beaten in the county cup final, which stopped them from completing the triple and the next year he was 8 minutes from completing a national cup triple losing on penalties to Dartford, which stopped his side from being the first side in history to do such. His time with the Academy produced players at all levels and players going off to America on fantastic scholarships.
The first team coaching job came knocking for him and he was instrumental in helping the club beat Blackpool in the FA Cup, making him part of the first Boreham Wood side ever to beat a Football League side in the FA Cup in the club’s history. That season the highest ever league finish saw them end up at Wembley in the playoffs narrowing losing 2-1 to Tranmere Rovers. Another promotion saw him, becoming assistant manager while keeping his dual role as Academy Manager. The Academy continued to go from strength to strength winning National Cups every year and moving players to the professional game. Two years later back to the National League playoffs, he went, which saw a narrow defeat this time in the semi-finals against eventual winners Harrogate.
There is no better coach in the country at taking players from non-league to the professional game his contacts, his knowledge is second to none and we feel our young scholars will go to a new level under him.
Academy Head Coach
SAMUIL MASTRAFCHIEV
Sam Mastrafchiev is one of the most renowned youth coaches in Bedfordshire, he’s been a part of Bedford Football Academy from the very beginning, following his passion for developing young players. His teams are playing attacking and attractive football and his young players are regularly scouted by elite football academies.
As a player, Sam spent his whole career in the Bulgarian elite Rodopa Smolyan – first as an academy graduate and captain, selected later by the first team. Severe injury stops him from actively playing at the age of 22, only to let him focus on his elite education and get early into coaching and team management. Sam has a Bachelor degree in Business Management and two Master degrees – for him, Elite Sport and Education have always been a top priority.
Locally Sam has played for Shefford Town&Kempton’s First team and Bedford Albion. He’s FA qualified and currently managing Albion’s Reserves team.
Academy Coach
GEORGE THORNE
We are delighted to announce George Thorne will be joining the academy as Academy coach.
His club career began at West Bromwich Albion in 2009, making 10 appearances before he spent time out on loan away from the Hawthorns with Portsmouth, Peterborough United, Watford and Derby County before joining the Rams permanently in 2014 and went on to make 57 appearances after recovering from an ACL injury before suffering a broken leg in the last game of the 2015/16 season against Ipswich Town. Upon regaining fitness and being able to return to playing he joined Luton Town on loan until the end of the 2018/19 season.
The following season he joined Oxford United, initially on loan and was released in the summer of 2020 when George’s career came to a sadly premature end. During his career, George was fortunate enough to represent England at Under 16, 17, 18 and 19 level and was part of the UEFA Under 17 European Championship winning squad which defeated Spain 2-1 in the final.
George will be able to give our youngsters a world of knowledge and we would like to welcome him to the academy.
Goalkeeping Coach
IAN BROWN
Ian Brown is vastly experienced in terms of his playing and coaching career. He Started playing for Bedford Town from under 12s, representing the district and county until under 14, when Birmingham City came knocking but a year on Ian decided to leave due to having to make a choice between cricket and football. He was a keen excellent cricketer so decided he wanted to pursue that as a career at the time instead.
He resigned for Bedford Town at under 18, during his time with Bedford he spent 3 months at Watford on trial. He made his 1st team debut in 2003 away at Canvey Island and produced an excellent performance to help his side to a 1-1 drew. He went on to play over 300 games for Bedford over 2 spells in between this he also had short spells at Arlesey Town and National South side Slough Town. He then went on to play for Hemel Hempstead again of the National League South making 100 appearances before finishing his fine career at Biggleswade Town before retiring in 2017 at the age of 36.
TRIALS
WE ARE RUNNING WEEKLY OPEN TRIAL SESSIONS FOR PLAYERS INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR FOOTBALL AND EDUCATION ACADEMY.
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 4:15pm MEET TIME IN KEMPSTON ROVERS
COME DOWN AND SEE IF YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE FIRST KRA PRO?
APPLY BY CLICKING THE LINK KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY 16-18 – GOOGLE FORMS.
NEW BOYS TRIAL DATES:
- Monday 20 May; 18pm KO on the First Team Pitch in Kempston Rovers
NEW GIRLS TRIAL DATES:
- Wednesday 29 May; 10:30am Registration at Kempston Rovers
PROGRAMME
OUR PROGRAMME
THE KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY IS A SPORTS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN KEMPSTON ROVERS FC AND OUR EDUCATION PARTNERS. THE PLAYERS WILL RECEIVE TOP LEVEL COACHING FROM OUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED COACHES, WHO NOT ONLY UEFA QUALIFIED BUT ARE ALSO FULLY FIRST AID AND SAFEGUARDING TRAINED AND CHECKED.
THE ACADEMY WILL ALSO HAVE PHYSIOS ON HAND TO DEAL WITH ANY INJURIES AND HELP WITH STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMMES AND BALANCED AND HEALTHY NUTRITION FOR YOUNG PLAYERS.
OUR MEDICAL STAFF WILL LOOK AFTER OUR PLAYERS AND CATER FOR ALL PHYSIOTHERAPY NEEDS. WE WILL ENSURE OUR PLAYERS HAVE ALL THE EXPERT HELP AND ADVICE THEY NEED.
OUR FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES MAKE ALL OUR COACHING AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES POSSIBLE. OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE OUR PLAYERS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE GAME, EDUCATING KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY PLAYERS BOTH TECHNICALLY AND TACTICALLY. WE BELIEVE THAT OUR PROGRAMME GIVES OUR PLAYERS THE BEST PLATFORM TO IMPROVE THEIR GAME ACROSS ALL ASPECTS, BETTER THAN ANY OTHER SPORTS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMME OF OUR KIND.
THE FACTS ARE THAT UNFORTUNATELY ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE ACTUALLY ‘MAKE IT’ WITHIN THE GAME, AND AS SUCH WITH THE KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY WE STRESS THE IMPORTANCE THAT OUR PLAYERS MUST TAKE THEIR EDUCATION VERY SERIOUSLY, AS THE LIKELIHOOD IS EDUCATION IS WHAT WILL BE MOST BENEFICIAL TO OUR PLAYERS AND GIVES THEM A PLATFORM AND OPPORTUNITIES LATER IN LIFE, BEYOND THEIR TIME WITH THE ACADEMY.
WE GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER FURTHER EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL, WHETHER THAT BE IN THE UK OR ON ‘SOCCER’ SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS WELL AS HELPING THEM DEVELOP THE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS TO DIRECTLY ENTER THE WORK PLACE.
IF YOU ARE 16-18-YEARS-OLD AND THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE TYPE OF PROGRAMME YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN JOINING, DO NOT HESITATE TO APPLY FOR A TRIAL WITH THE KEMPSTON ROVERS ACADEMY BY EMAILING KEMPSTONROVERSACADEMY@HOTMAIL.COM
EDUCATION
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BEDFORD COLLEGE – A LEVELS AND BTEC’S
All KRA players are required to study with us and we currently partner with 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞. The partnerships enable the players to study a wide range of subjects, most Academies of its kind are mainly sport-based, which is what makes Kempston Rovers Academy unique. We offer Business or Sports BTEC (Levels 1,2 & 3)
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/courses/sport-intermediate-level-2-h102/
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/courses/sport-and-physical-activity-advanced-level-3-hb003/
ELITE UNDER 16S
Our Elite Under 16 section of our Academy is a new development centre which will allow our players to continue training and playing with there grassroots club but can grow and development with us within our structure. Sessions and games will be coached by Academy coach Samuil Vladimirov and our Academy Director Cameron Mawer. Both have a wealth of experience at progressing players and developing the type of players needed to go into the professional game or non league football.
Our aim with our Under 16 Academy side is
training every Wednesday 5-6pm at Kempston Rovers Football Club.
Games half termly against Professional Academies.
The opportunity to play in the Under 18s Northants League under lights during the week, not conflicting with their grassroots side.
A pathway into our 16-18 Football and Education Academy.
FA Youth cup opportunities.
We promote within our Academy ethos
Hard work in and out of possession.
Bravery to effect games and training in a positive manner.
Conduct on and off the pitch.
A winning mentality.
Click the link to apply Kempston Rovers Under 16s – Google Forms
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long is the course?
The courses last from one to three years, dependent on your age, chosen course and GCSE grades.
Who is the Kempston Rovers Academy for?
The Kempston Rovers Academy is for boys who are between 16-18-years old, that want to further their knowledge, understanding and ability in football, whilst at the same time continue their education.
What qualifications do I gain?
The Kempston Rovers Academy, provides you with the opportunity to gain a variety of BTEC qualifications and a variety of A Levels.
Where do I study?
Your study on site with our education provider a sixth form in Kempston.
Where do I train?
You will train on our 4G astro turf here at Kempston Rovers FC. Some games will be played on the main first team grass pitch.
What type of training do I receive?
Training will be based on improving you as a player on all aspects of the game, with sessions concentrating on technique, control and tactical awareness, to name but a few.
What kind of medical care will I receive?
Our medical staff will look after our players and cater for all physiotherapy needs. We will ensure our players have all the expert help and advice they need.
Am I supplied with kit?
For the 2021/22 season, the Academy kit set is completely free of charge, terms and conditions apply. All match kits are provided by the Academy and washed on a weekly basis by our kit team.
Who will be teaching me?
Fully qualified teachers provided by our education provider will be responsible for helping you gain your desired qualifications, whilst your football coaching will be taken by ourselves and our UEFA and FA licensed coaches. All staff involved with the Academy are both first aid and safeguarding trained and checked.
SUCCESS STORIES
SORBA THOMAS
Sorba is described by Cameron as 5 years in the making before he got his well deserved move to Huddersfield. He also describes Sorba has like a son to him.
During his time with Camerom, Sorba was the figurehead in his attacking line, which saw Sorba win five National titles between 2017 and 2019.
He went on to play a part in the Play Off promotion final at Wembley Stadium, losing out to Tranmere Rovers for a place in the Football League, Sorba came on in an attempt to salvage an equaliser, fulfilling every boys dream of playing under the arch at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
The 2018/19 season was somewhat of breakthrough season for Sorba within the first team at Boreham Wood, making 32 appearances in the National League.
Sorba made 34 first team appearances in the 2019/20 cut short season including 2 playoff games that took the team to the National League playoff semi-final game in Harrogate.
In the 2020/21 January Transfer window, Sorba Thomas signed a 3 year contract with Championship side Huddersfield Town FC. Thomas earned his place on the first-team squad a week after his arrival, after producing two assists in his debut under 23’s game. He has since made his first team debut and will no doubt continue to develop and claim the ladder. His close working relationship with Cameron means we expect to see Sorba making appearances at the Academy.
ILIMAN NDIAYE
liman began working under Cameron in 2016. Iliman was a pivotal player in Camerons team winning three National titles between 2017 and 2019, and his performances resulted in lots of attention from professional academies, including trials with Bristol City, Chelsea and Sheffield United.
Ultimately, Sheffield United would won the race for his signature, signing a professional contract at Bramall Lane in August 2019. He made his Premier League debut against Leicester City after a fantastic season with the Under 23 side. This kid is a special talent.
Currently, Iliman is playing for the elite French Olympique de Marseille,
BEN GOODLIFFE
Ben worked with Cameron for a year in the Academy before earning his first start for the first team away to Tranmere Rovers in the National League. He captained English College’s FA, before Championship side Wolves came calling.
Ben signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Molineux, enjoying a successful loan spell with Dagenham & Redbridge, before signing permanently with Sutton United of the National League in the summer of 2019. Cameron has no doubt Ben will be back in the league in no time.
MUHAMMADU FAAL
Faal worked under Cameron in 2013 for 2 years. He developed his rangy style and showed glimpses of a promising young player but never made the break through at the club in his time there.
Faal spent three seasons in Italy playing for L’Aquila and San Gregorio. Upon his return Muhammadu made appearances at clubs such as Dulwhich & Hamlet, Kingstonian and Enfield. In 2020 the 6ft 5′ striker was signed by EFL side Bolton Wanders on an 18-Month contract.
ELLIS BROWN
The latest Cameron pro to come through Ellis joined Derby County in February and is one of the most promising players to be produced within the Academy under Cameron in years. He excites fans with his style and hopefully be the next to make the break through at Derby.
ALEX MUNROE
MK Don’s & AFC Dunstable Alex joined our Under 23s program while being a scholar at Wealdstone FC Academy, he excelled with the u23s under manager Sam Mastrafiev getting his first taste of men’s football.
This experience helped lead him to a move to League 2 side MK Dons in the summer of 2023 and he is currently out on loan at Step 4 side AFC Dunstable.
ISRAEL AJANA
Kempston Rovers Academy & St Neots Town FC
Israel joined KRA in 2022 and in his first year broke into the Kempston Rovers first team making 5 appearances at step 4 at 16 years old making an impact in his time on the pitch.
He has since moved onto St Neots Town and has been a regular in the side scoring 2 wonder strikes in the process. He continues to excel at KRA in his second year playing for the under-19s and under-23s.
HARVEY WILLIAMS
Kempston Rovers Academy & St Neots Town FC
Harvey joined KRA after being an academy player at Luton Town Academy in 2021 and in his second year broke into the Kempston Rovers first team. He went on to make 20+ appearances for the step 4 side and showed the pathway into the first team.
He made the move to St Neots Town this summer under the guidance of academy manager Cameron Mawer who is the first team manager. He is currently playing a massive role in the club’s promotion push scoring and assisting on a regular basis.
He has made the move from youth football into senior football and used KRA as a platform for this.
CONTACT
- Hillgrounds Leisure, Hillgrounds Rd, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8SZ
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