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THE TEAMAcademy Staff Profiles
Ash Rahman He came up with an idea of launching a school of excellence, a centre where the most promising players could fine tune their talents and achieve a better understanding of the game. Within the idea was a plan to help players who were good enough on a pedestal, giving scouts and coaches from professional clubs the chance to see their talents. After seven years of hard work developing a structure, recruiting the right team and finding sponsorship, the Pro Touch Soccer Academy was born. Speaking on what is without doubt his greatest ever achievement, Ash said: "Coaching and guidance are vital in helping young footballers make it within the professional game. "I've always wanted to play a part in helping footballers who are good enough get that chance to prove themselves. That is the sole aim of the Pro Touch Soccer Academy." With the exception of a brief trial at Leyton Orient, Ash never played professional football and was never really given the chance to prove just how good a player he was. Staying close to the game, he turned his attentions towards coaching and managing, taking over the reins at King's Cross United with close friend Will Cave. Since then he has gone on to accomplish numerous goals within the sport, coaching a host of successful men’s and women’s teams from across London. Among his successes include leading King's Cross Lithgow to a host of top honours around the country, including the prestigious Canary Cup in 2000. He has also successfully pitted his wits against some of the best young managers from across Europe, securing a hat-trick of bronze medals at the Dana Cup, which was held in Denmark. During the 1990s Ash coached and assisted some of the most gifted and talented young prospects that Camden and Islington had to offer. They included Abdul Koysor, who enjoyed spells at Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic, Leon Fisher, who played for Watford and England under-17s, and Sam Oji, who has spent time with clubs Arsenal, Birmingham City and Hereford United. Ash has also played an influential role in the career of Anthony Wordsworth, a gifted young midfielder who is a regularly first-team starter at League One side Colchester United and another young first-team striker Danny Hylton currently at Aldershot Town. With almost 16 years of experience under his belt, Ash has developed a great understanding of the media world that today's professional footballers are exposed to. His work both on and off the pitch has also merited various media coverage, with BBC, ITV and Channel Four all producing documentaries on his achievements. Ash has received the highest possible praise for all the hard work that he has put in over the years, receiving invites to the Buckingham Palace and No.10 Downing Street, where he met former Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Zahid Hossain Outside of football Zahid works as Freelancer Digital Producer with 14 years of experience, working major Blue Chip companies. Zahid uses his knowledge as a digital producer to keep the Pro Touch Soccer Academy at the forefront of technology, undertaking vital tasks like maintain the website and ensuring that the Soccer Academy continues to reach the widest possible audience. Zahid is MBA, BSc (Hons) qualified and holds an FA Level Two Coaching Certificate and FA Youth Module 1. He is due to start his FA Level Three UEFA 'B’ Coaching Certificate and FA Youth Module 2 in 2013. top Taff has been involved in football for the last 15 years and holds a vast amount of in-depth knowledge of the modern day game. Due to his involvement in all different capacities; from his professional playing and coaching background, grassroots football development and football related business. Working with local and global organisations and charities, his personal consultancy service has helped to develop football development and business programs. Mustapha Turay When he relocated to England, his father urged him to finish his education and pursue a law degree. After completing a degree in Human Resource Management at the University of Luton, Mustapha was elected as a sabbatical officer (Vice President ‘Education and Representation’) managing the Student Union Advice Centre and providing information and advice to students. Having completed and passed he’s Football Association Agent exam in 2009, Mus will join forces with Adam heading the Pro Touch Management Ltd (PTM). Adam Davis Carlos Santos In 2005 Carlos was offered a contract to play for East Thurrock, and was looking forward to a bright future within the sport. But sadly his playing career was cut short by a major injury to his left ankle and he was forced to retire. In 2008 Carlos joined our community and academy coaching programmes where he continues to share his experiences within the game. Carlos was the first PTSA manager to secure gold in the Dana Cup 2011.He managed the under 13s team with his assistants Kevin and Zahid. Carlos holds an FA Level Two Coaching Certificate and will aim to sit the UEFA 'B' Licence this year. Carlos's one of two most successful highlights for 2012 was when he managed to steer the U11s in Iber Cup, Portugal's international tournament in July having lost 4-0 in the U11s Final (B Playoff) vs. FC Lorient (France). Secondly in August when Amateur Football Alliance (AFA) confirmed Carlos has been confirmed as the County and Greater London Regional "Coach of the Year " award and one of eight coaches shortlisted for National "Coach of the Year " award announced in September 2012. Ben Rosenblatt At UWIC Ben provided strength and conditioning coaching to the tennis, football and athletic teams before being selected to study at California State University, Long Beach. In America Ben coached the baseball, basketball and volleyball teams as well as producing a DVD series on football fitness for developing players and coaches. On his return to the UK Ben completed his degree and coached elite level track and field athletes. He then went on to provide strength and conditioning support to Millwall FC and Cardiff City FC before taking a permanent role as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Olympic Medical Institute. Ben is currently studying for a PhD in the "Biomechanics of Training Specificity" on a part time basis from the Cardiff School of Sport. Ben is also an accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach with the UKSCA and is an honorary lecture on the Masters Degree in Sports Medicine at UCL. Ben is passionate about coaching and the physical development of players and athletes at an elite level. He loves his work at PTSA as it grants him opportunities to instil good habits and fundamental physical development in young and developing players. top He moved to London when he was 18 and studied an undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy, during which time he worked within the professional ranks at Barnet Football Club. He went on to study a post-graduate degree in Physiotherapy at King’s College London, graduating in 2005. Michael is currently working in the NHS as a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and also runs a private Sports Injury and Rehabilitation clinic. He is fully qualified in Sports Trauma Management, is a member of the Football Association Medical Society and has also undertaken post-graduate training in Orthopaedic Medicine, Joint Manipulation, Acupuncture and Strapping and Taping techniques. Michael was recently appointed as one of many physiotherapists by the London 2012 Olympic Games. Wahab Animashaun top Ian’s significant breakthrough came in the sport of rugby union where his bulkier body size saw him take up a first team spot and successfully make the county squads whilst at school. Recommendations by former coaches saw him accepted for trials at Bedford Blues in the Allied Dunbar Premiership. Liking his natural flair and ability for the game together with his speed of 11.7 seconds for a front row forward weighing in excess of 16 stone 8lbs he was quickly snapped up by the Academy set up. However, this joy was short lived as a reoccurrence of an existing knee injury saw him released after his first season at the club, keeping him on the sidelines for a few years. Putting the work in at the gym saw Ian come back fitter and stronger than he had been previously as he signed for a couple of semi professional clubs plying their trade in the National Leagues. However, the hand of fate struck again when at the age of 26 he was forced to retire involuntarily when diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a fatal heart condition that cost Marc Vivien Foe his life when playing for Cameroon. Rather than encapsulating himself in self-pity Ian decided to take the upper hand and put himself through university where he completed his Sports and Exercise Science degree at the University of Surrey, Roehampton before studying a Masters degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Science that focused on the key areas of sport and exercise psychology in combination with sport and exercise physiology. This provided Ian with the tools to offer clients a grounded approach by being able to look closely at the mind and body in synch knowing that one easily impacted upon the other when competing in the highly pressurised sporting environment. Ian is currently studying a Ph.D that is investigating the “Psychological Implications of Involuntary Career Transitions for Former Competitive Athletes” on a part-time basis at the University of Stirling. Ian also won the only free place offered by BASES (British Association of Sport and Exercise Science) to present his research in relation to his Ph.D at the prestigious Stanford University in California in 2009 on the Athletes Heart and Sudden Death in Sport. Ian was appointed as the new Performance Coach at Brentford FC Academy & Development Squad for 2012/13 season. Joe Girma After much thought and deliberation he decided to join Wimbledon FC, now known as the MK Dons, where he played until he was released at 17. Joe continued to try and make it in the professional ranks by joining Leyton Orient on a pay-as-you-play contract, before moving to semi-professional side Wingate and Finchley. With his dream fast turning into a nightmare, Joe was forced to take drastic action and decided a career change was the best solution. He turned to education, achieving a diploma in sports science. Joe has survived the darker side of football and gone on to enjoy a successful career within the fitness industry, becoming a beacon of hope to all the young players at the Pro Touch Soccer Academy. Joe is an FA Level Two qualified coach and is due to start his UEFA 'B' Licence this year.. Joe's most career highlight was one, when he become one of Islington's Torch Bearer's for London 2012 Olympic games, a lasting lifetime memory and experience. Mani has been coaching promising youth goalkeepers for four years, with most playing in the Camden and Regent's Park Youth League on Saturdays. Some of the potential goalkeepers Mani has coached in recent years have been scouted and invited to train with professional football clubs youth academies across London. This has demonstrated how the training methods Mani has implemented has enhance the goalkeepers skills. He is very keen to assess during games, how individual goalkeeper performs in their competitive games for either PTSA or their individual local club teams. He's always keen to look at ways of improving each and every goalkeeper involved in the programmes improving their all round performances with regular feedback to the goalkeepers and their parents/guardians. Ned Nazerali Graduating from London College of Fashion in 2008, he pursued his career freelance in the fashion industry collaborating with various Magazines and Designers as well as working in advertising for the likes of The Metropolitan Police, Sainsbury’s and Samsung. Nedim was introduced to PTSA through the Designers from the brand GIAROYE, whom sponsor PTSA. His first involvement with PTSA began when documenting the journey of Dana Cup International Soccer Tournament in July 2010, capturing the PTSA matches as well as the mood and essence of the experience for the young players during the trip to Denmark. Through this he has gained a good relationship with PTSA and is now on board as the Director of Photography for the Academy, to help increase a memorable experience to the community and the young players with aspirations including our young schoolboy professional footballers - www.nedimnazerali.com . Shaub Miah Shaub grew up with some of the PTSA staff and played various local teams, which started his passion for football and everything associated with it. Most of Shaub’s spare time is spent doing offline editing/motion graphics design for PTSA and Restless beings. Ray Ansah-Adjapong Ray was born and raised in East London, only child from a single parent house hold, with 8 GCSE's from A-C and 2 A-Levels. Ray’s main aspiration is to become a Head Coach at English Premier League club preferably Arsenal as this is the team he has supported all he’s life. Ray holds an UEFA 'B' Licence. He has also completed a degree in Sports Science at Roehapton University in July 2012. Ray is also an national ambassador for the Princess Trust, which also recently featured in London Metro, sharing some of he’s highlights and life experiences. Koyar Abul As a dominant midfielder he went to play at every youth level within the game, including the Camden and Islington District team and the London County. He was spotted by scouts while playing for Tufnell FC in the Camden and Islington Under-11s Youth League, and was soon attracting the attentions of a string of major clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea. He opted to join West Ham, where during an impressive five-year spell he got the chance to play alongside some of the best young talents in the country, including Joe Cole (Chelsea and England), Glen Johnson (Liverpool and England) Kieron Richardson and Anton Ferdinand (both Sunderland). Koyar's list of achievements includes winning the Milk Cup in 1997 with the Hammers' youth team, and making the final 60 players selected to take part in England schoolboy trials. Despite his immense talent Koyar was released by West Ham, but continued his search for a scholarship with trials at Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Leicester City. Like many, his talents continued to get overlooked, and the constant struggle caused him to fall out of love with the game. Lacking vital guidance and direction Koyar was allowed to walk away from the sport, but he soon realised that football was far too important to him to just give up on it, and he soon reignited his love for the beautiful game in a coaching capacity. He now works as a Sports Development Officer for a local authority, and also coaches the Year 6 Camden District team. Koyar is an FA Level Two qualified coach and is due to start his UEFA 'B’ Coaching Certificate this year. Tony Blair He started coaching football by showing his son the basics of goalkeeping. Noticing that his guidance helped his son, it gave Tony the incentive to coach other youths. Tony started at Norseman FC and Edmonton all saints with these teams playing in Enfield; this is where he started on his coaching badges. Tony then went to Fitzrovia youth in Action, where he begun football coaching and being a youth worker. He coached from ages 8-18, the teams played in various five aside and eleven a side leagues and tournaments. Tony has helped the youths volunteer and take part in the Camden Unity Cup, which he has been coaching for the past 6 years. Tony started the first Futsal league in Camden, (The Camden Futsal League); this introduced a new and skilful use of the ball in a very fast game. Coaching Futsal teams in Enfield and Camden, he has been able to take a girl’s team to The FA Futsal youth championship in Sheffield. Tony’s managed the U14/15s in the Camden & Islington Midweek League 2010-11 season, which won the League Cup and ended the season joint 3rd overall. Tony holds an UEFA 'B' Licence, but also qualified as a Boxing Tutor and Leadership Award, Sports leadership Tutor Award Level One and 2, FA Goalkeeping and the FA Futsal. Goncalo Menezes Goncalo played as an amateur in Caneças FC in Portugal. At 18 Goncalo started coaching local young people from his neighborhood and there began is love for coach. In January 2010 he came to live to London and began coaching in Brentford FCCST in after-school clubs. In September 2012 he joined PTSA. At PTSA Goncalo finds a balance where he can also develop his knowledge,learning and sharing his experiences with other coaches. Goncalo is a very positive person, extremely focused and committed in everything he does, so he had a unique opportunity to be one of the Games Maker of the London Olympics 2012. One of his major goals is to be a professional football coach Gonçalo currently is a Football Coach Level 2. Michael Ayisire Michael currently holds an FA Level One Coaching Certificate and intend to sit the FA Level Two Coaching Certificate in 2011. Kevin Partridge Kevin turned his attention to coaching youth football, which started he’s journey in 1994. then went on to running a mini soccer school in 2000 for childrenaged between 3-7 years old. Kevin continues to be involved in grassroots football coaching in Enfield, but has decided to challenge himself with the tasks of nurturing the next generational of schoolboy professional footballers within the PTSA framework. Kevin was the assistant coach to Carlos in the wining Dana Cup 2011,in Denmark under 13s team. Kevin holds an FA Level One Coaching Certificate and will aim to sit the FA Level Two Coaching Certificate in 2011and is also a qualified referee. Max Nkwocha Max has represented a few Sunday and mid-week league football teams including Tufnell Park FC and played football at various levels. Incorporating a beautiful touch, defence splitting pace, excellent vision and awareness and good level of teamwork ethics, which resulted in him being talent scouted and invited to trial at Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC and then eventually signing schoolboy professional contract for Millwall FC. Max continued to develop and gain knowledge of the professional game representing Millwall at youth and academy level. Due to off-the-pitch constraints Max had to leave Millwall FC, which disheartened him. However Max has joint PTSA to lend his experience and knowledge of the game and most importantly to re-invest within the community to help bring out our young talents best abilities. Max has completed his FA Level 1 and is concentrating on gaining his FA Level 2 qualification later this year. Sam Murfitt In the previous four years Sam was part of the Dana Cup coaching and management teams, assisting and delivering the goal keeping coaching programmes for all the goal keepers travelling with the teams. Sam holds an FA Level Two Coaching Certificate and is due to start his FA Level Two Goal Keeping Coaching Certificate in 2011. top At the age of 17 he had an opportunity to have a three week trial with an Iranian professional team from league Division One, unfortunately due to family circumstances, he was unable to attend. At the age of 18, he entered into National Military service, while he did his National service, John played for one of the top military team’s in Iran. John at the age of 25 came to England but he felt he had no football experience within the English game but since he had a love for the game, he wanted to find his past in the game as a coach. John at the end of 2010 set himself a goal that within five years he will be hold a UEFA Pro Licence Badge and work for a top senior team in the world. John is aware that this will be a long journey, with lots of hard work and John knows he will get there. In March 2011 John gained his FA Level 1 coaching badge in Football and in November 2011 John gained his FA Level 2 coaching Badge in football, with these qualifications he is another step closer to his goal. Working with all the PTSA coaches has given John more confidence and allowed him to grow as a coach. John’s has a philosophy of playing at high intensity, with press game and playing the game at pace, very much in Harry Rednapp style, even though John is a Chelsea fan! John is due to start his UEFA 'B’ coaching badge in 2012. top He was one of the lead Coach's who managed the U7/8s in the PTSA Annual Easter Tournament "West Country Cup" in Newquay which the Academy first attempt in that age category come home with overall Winner's Cup. Several of the U8s star players had individuals trials with Brentford, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham during the 2011-2012 period. Daniel hopes to start his FA Youth Modules in late 2012 to be more specialised in the age group he works with. Ahmed Abdelrahman Ahmed has completed his academic education up to university level. During this period Ahmed had been balancing his studies with football coaching, achieving his goals in both fields. Ahmed graduated from Brunel University in Finance and Accounting with honours and decided to pursue a career in Accountancy. Ahmed realised after 12 months that Accountancy was not as fulfilling and enjoyable as Football Coaching so made the decision to Coach Football full time; a decision he has never regretted. Ahmed’s philosophy is that football is more enjoyable with the ball than without it. Therefore his emphasis is on a lot of short passes with more than one option for the player in possession through lots of movement off the ball. Players are encouraged to be confident in possession and move up the pitch by attacking empty spaces with and without the ball. When out of possession Ahmed likes to employ a high pressing game in order to retrieve the ball back as quick as possible. Ahmed is new to the PTSA set up but is confident in his ability as a Coach to quickly settle and become an asset to the academy. Ahmed views PTSA as an ideal place to continue with his development as they set high standards for their coaches and players. Ahmed expects himself and any players associated with him to meet these standards. Frank Kain Frank, 19, is a FA Level Two qualified and is part of the Arsenal In The Community set up as well as taking a Degree in Football and Community Coaching at London Metropolitan University. Kevin Matudidi Kevin played football for his local team (Roundwood FC), securing back-to-back promotions between 07-11 including various trophies. Refereeing at a primary school in 2007 achieving a ‘Protect and Serve’ award. Joined PTSA in 2012 to find a challenge and develop his coaching skills. Holds a FA Level Two Coaching Certificate and JSLA qualification. Samir Hadi Whilst playing at Hertford town he decided to get into coaching early and do his coaching badges so he can give back to the youth and help develop the future stars. He completed his FA level 1 and 2 this year and also his FA youth award module 1 and 2. Krasimir Korsachki (Kris) Kris was playing in Hackney and Leyton Sunday League for one season. He started his FA coaching badges and also started coaching U11 and U16 for Junior Reds FC. He now holds a FA Level 2 badge Kris joined PTSA in June 2012, he found the professional style of coaching which was in line with his Philsophy on football and he looking forward to reaching more challenges and opportunity with PTSA. Johnson Aju Johnson is on his final year of studying Sport and Exercise Science at University Campus Suffolk, Johnson currently holds an FA Level Two Coaching Certificate and can not wait to pass on his footballing knowledge and skills onto the new upcoming players. Hazel Katvars Focusing on musculoskeletal injuries, the aim is to fully rehabilitate any injury in order to re-establish functional movement and put in place prevention strategies to reduce the risk of injury reoccurrence. Through a wide number of techniques Hazel can easily assess, treat, manage and prevent injuries, through the means of manual therapy, electrotherapy, prevention screening, fitness regimes and much more. Since completing her degree she has had a wealth of experience in the field of sport rehab. Focusing on football, she has managed over the year’s musculoskeletal injuries from different populations working with academies such as Stevenage FC, and Luton Town FC as well as semi-professional first team clubs local to Hertfordshire. She is working within a Chiropractic Clinic where she has looked after many private clients, providing them with treatments and exercises regimes. The main role Hazel has within the Pro Touch Soccer Academy is to prevent and manage injuries through exercise medicine. This is achieved by a variety of different exercise and fitness sessions held to enhance existing skills and fitness levels to ensure the lowest probability of injury during competitive and training sessions. Hazel also completes strength and conditioning classes not only at advanced stages of the rehabilitation process but to improve and influence key components in football such as agility and power to ensure each player is at their full capacity when playing for PTSA. Bingnan Zhao Bing was the physiotherapist-in-charge at the Sports Medicine Department of Peking University Third Hospital. Focusing on the management (assessment, treatment and prevention) of musculoskeletal injuries and postsurgical rehabilitation [major in knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, meniscus), ankle, and shoulder surgery]. Being has has written in the following publicationswhile working as a physiotherapist: His real passion is to work in football dreaming to be a physio of a famous football club. In 2012 participated in the pre-season injury screening programme (2012-13 season) for Arsenal Football Club (first team and the academy). Maria Bermudez Maria's long term ambition and interest is to work with families, providing support and guidance with those who may need the extra assistance. She'll be joined with Susana, who will have a similar role within the PTSA structure. Susana Santos Susana worked as a legal administrator for many years at Skanthabalan Solicitors. Susana's long term ambition and interest is to work with families and children, with one eye focusing on working as Teaching Assistant later in 2012. Joanne Roque With the injury bringing her career as a semi-professional footballer to an end Joanne decided get into journalism, she has 9 GCSE's (A-C) and holds a BTEC National Diploma in Media Productions (Triple Distinction), during her time at college she reached various milestones, including receiving a Jack Petchey award for an article published in Leyton Life. Joanne is currently in her second year studying Sports Journalism at UAL, and is working as a freelance journalist for local newspapers, websites such as Anchorfan and the UAL paper. Sandra Soteriou
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