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Prepare to Excel Programme – Ashford, Kent

Advanced Development for Ambitious Young Footballers in Kent

At Olite Academy, we go beyond football — we prepare players to excel in sport and in life.

Prepare to Excel is our advanced development pathway for ambitious young footballers across Ashford and Kent who want to push themselves further and bridge the gap between grassroots football and academy-level expectations.

This isn’t just about improving technique. It’s a comprehensive programme that develops the complete player — technically, physically, tactically, and mentally — giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to compete at higher levels.

What the Programme Includes

  • High-level technical sessions – advanced skills training focused on game-realistic scenarios and elite performance standards
  • Performance analysis – video review and feedback to develop tactical understanding and self-awareness
  • Physical development work – structured strength and conditioning to build athleticism and prevent injury
  • Confidence and mindset support – psychological coaching to handle pressure, setbacks, and competitive environments
  • Personal development plans – individualised roadmaps with clear goals, progress tracking, and targeted areas for improvement

Who This Programme Is For

  • Prepare to Excel suits dedicated young footballers in Ashford aged 10-16 who are:
  • Preparing for trials at academy clubs like Charlton Athletic, Gillingham FC, Ebbsfleet United, or other professional academies
  • Currently playing at a competitive grassroots level and aiming to progress to academy or scholarship opportunities
  • Returning from academy release and determined to earn their way back into elite environments
  • Technically strong but needs to develop the physical, tactical, and mental aspects required at higher levels
  • Committed to their development and willing to put in the work between sessions

This programme requires dedication. Players should be training multiple times per week, playing regularly for their club, and genuinely motivated to reach their potential — not just attending because parents want them to.

Why Prepare to Excel Works

Holistic development – Academy football demands more than technical ability. Players need speed, strength, game intelligence, resilience, and self-awareness. Our programme systematically develops all these areas.

Realistic expectations – We’re honest about what it takes to progress. Players and families understand the pathway, the standards required, and the work needed to get there.

Individual attention – Every player has different strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Personal development plans ensure training targets what each individual needs most.

Academy insight – With professional experience in academy environments and performance analysis, we understand what scouts look for and how to prepare players for that level of scrutiny and expectation.

Beyond football skills – The discipline, resilience, goal-setting ability, and growth mindset developed through this programme benefit players in school, future careers, and life — regardless of how far they go in football.

What Makes This Different from Regular Coaching

Many young footballers in Kent attend club training twice a week and play matches on weekends. That’s great for enjoyment and development — but it rarely provides the intensity, volume, or individual focus needed to reach academy standards.

Prepare to Excel fills that gap. It offers:

  • Higher training frequency and intensity than in typical grassroots environments
  • Targeted work on individual weaknesses rather than general team sessions
  • Professional-level analysis and feedback that accelerates learning
  • Physical preparation that most grassroots clubs don’t provide
  • Mental skills training that builds the resilience elite football demands

Players in the programme don’t replace their club football — they complement it with additional, focused development work that accelerates their progress.

The Olite Academy Difference

We’re not interested in making false promises or taking money from families for programmes that won’t genuinely help. If we don’t believe a player has realistic potential to progress, or if they’re not ready for this level of commitment, we’ll say so honestly.

For players who are ready, Prepare to Excel provides structured, expert support that gives them the best possible chance to achieve their goals — whether that’s earning an academy contract, a college scholarship, or simply becoming the best player they can be.

Programme Structure and Commitment

Prepare to Excel runs as ongoing development with regular sessions combining technical work, S&C, analysis, and psychological support. The exact structure is tailored to each player’s needs, current commitments, and development priorities.

Families should expect a minimum commitment of 6-12 months to see meaningful progress, with regular reviews to track development and adjust training focus.

Available in Ashford and Across Kent

The Prepare to Excel programme is available for ambitious young footballers in Ashford, Kennington, Wye, Willesborough, and throughout Kent, including Maidstone, Folkestone, Canterbury, and Sevenoaks areas.

Sessions take place at quality training facilities across Ashford, scheduled flexibly around school and club commitments.