By Tom Burton
Kinetic Foundation, the Croydon-based talent factory which has produced 12 pro-club scholars in the last two seasons, are on the hunt for new players.
Southampton, Sunderland and Charlton Athletic are just some of the sides who have signed Kinetic graduates since 2014.
Myles Kenlock made his FA Cup debut for Ipswich Town in January at the age of 19 and Josh Maja’s first season with Sunderland U18s saw him identified by The Guardian as ‘one of the best talents at Premier League clubs’.
Kinetic’s U10s, U14s and U16s for next season, kitted out with sponsored gear and match-day strips, will play in local leagues on Sundays and train at Royal Russell School on weeknights.
The three sides will be overseen by UEFA B licence coach Adam Knight, the current coach of Crystal Palace U12s.
He said: “I’d have loved to have had this opportunity when I was a youth player.
“If a youngster has got some potential, we can pretty much guarantee that they will develop with us – it’s all set up for them.
“Then who knows? We’ve had 12 boys picked up by pro clubs in the last couple of seasons. It’s a very exciting time.
“ I’d be surprised if we couldn’t do that again in the next two seasons and with a new wave of players, there’s a good chance that some of the big names of tomorrow are about to join us.”
The U14s will be led by Kyle Bernard, a former scholar at AFC Wimbeldon. His unbeaten Kinetic U16s have already wrapped up the Selkent League this season.
The U10s will be managed by James Fotheringham, who has coached youth sides at AFC Wimbledon for several seasons.
Judy Wallis, Kinetic administrator and welfare officer, said: “The professional atmosphere will enable players to improve.
“We will implement a carefully-constructed Technical Development Programme that incorporates skills and drills, designed by coaches who have vast experience at pro clubs and at grass-roots level.
“We will identify academy trialists, aim to enter three tournaments in summer 2017, and identify a squad tour in line with the other kinetic age group teams.”
Email judy@kinetic-coaching.co.uk or phone 0203 581 3745 for more information.