Olite Academy Officially Launches in Ashford
Bringing Elite-Level Football Coaching to Kent’s Young Players
New football coaching academy founded by experienced coach Olly Elford aims to bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football while putting player welfare first.
Ashford, Kent – After months of meticulous planning and community groundwork, Olite Academy has officially launched in Ashford, bringing a fresh approach to youth football development across Kent.
Founded by Olly Elford, whose background spans sports coaching, applied physiology, and professional academy environments, Olite Academy represents a significant addition to the local football landscape – one that prioritises holistic player development over simply churning out technically proficient footballers.
A Different Kind of Football Academy
What sets Olite Academy apart from traditional coaching setups is its comprehensive approach. While many coaches focus purely on technical skills, Olite integrates performance analysis, strength and conditioning, and psychological support into its programmes – mirroring the methods used at professional clubs but adapted for young players in accessible, age-appropriate ways.
“Sport is about people first,” says Elford. “We focus on the whole player — not just technique, but mindset, teamwork, and the personal qualities that make sport such a valuable part of growing up.”
This philosophy stems from Elford’s years of experience across schools, clubs, and academy environments throughout Kent, where one observation consistently stood out: young people thrive when coached in positive, welcoming atmospheres that treat mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Early Success and Enthusiastic Response
The academy’s initial sessions have exceeded expectations. “The energy, the enthusiasm, and the way the kids have thrown themselves into every activity has been amazing,” Elford notes. “We’ve already seen huge progress in confidence, teamwork, and skill.”
Parents and local schools have responded positively to Olite’s player-first approach. The academy currently offers 1-to-1 coaching, group sessions, PE support for schools, and the advanced “Prepare to Excel” programme designed for ambitious players aiming to bridge the gap between grassroots and academy-level football.
Addressing a Gap in Youth Development
Olite Academy’s launch comes at a time when many talented young players across Kent find themselves overlooked by traditional academy systems. Elford’s motivation to establish the academy stemmed directly from recognising this gap.
“So many talented young players are missed or overlooked within traditional systems,” he explains. His commitment is ensuring every player gets the opportunity to reach their potential – whether that’s earning an academy contract, making their school team, or simply becoming more confident in sport.
The academy’s performance analysis service exemplifies this modern approach. Using video review and clear feedback, young players can see their own progress and understand positioning, movement, and decision-making on a deeper level – the same analytical methods used at professional clubs, but delivered in ways children can understand and act upon.
More Than Just Football
Perhaps most significantly, Olite Academy places substantial emphasis on player psychology and welfare – aspects often neglected in grassroots football.
“When children feel safe and supported, they learn quicker and enjoy their sport so much more,” says Elford. Sessions focus on building positive mindsets, handling setbacks constructively, and developing the resilience that serves young people both on the pitch and throughout life.
The academy’s strength and conditioning work follows similar principles – age-appropriate programming that prioritises movement quality over intensity, building athletic foundations that support long-term development and injury prevention.
Growing the Academy
With successful launch sessions completed and positive community feedback, Olite Academy is poised for growth. The academy serves Ashford, Kennington, Wye, Willesborough, and surrounding areas, with plans to expand opportunities in the coming months.
For local schools seeking reliable, professional PE support, the academy offers full lesson delivery, PPA cover, after-school clubs, and enrichment days – all delivered with the same inclusive philosophy that ensures every child, not just natural athletes, finds success in sport.
Looking Ahead
“This is just the beginning,” Elford reflects, “and we can’t wait to keep building something special for young athletes in our community.”
As Ashford’s football landscape evolves, Olite Academy represents a welcome addition – one that combines professional expertise with genuine care for young people’s development, both as footballers and as individuals.
For parents of aspiring young footballers in Kent, particularly those seeking coaching that goes beyond basic technical work to develop confident, resilient, well-rounded athletes, Olite Academy offers a compelling alternative to traditional coaching setups.
Olite Academy is now accepting players for 1-to-1 coaching, group sessions, and the Prepare to Excel programme. Schools interested in PE support can enquire directly through the academy’s website at oliteacademy.co.uk.
