KICKS OFF HERE The Future
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Bede’s Football Programme, where we aim to get the best out of every individual we work with through unrivalled contact time and provide every player with a future football pathway once they leave Bede’s.
I am proud to share that around over a third of our pupils regularly participate, with 14 teams training at least twice per week and competing on Saturdays. We are committed to providing a supportive and challenging environment for all, from grassroots to elite levels.
Our year-round programme, strong competition against other top football schools, and individual achievements (Lola Brown/Solly March) along with team achievements such as becoming HUDL League Champions in 2020 and EFSA U18 National Champions in 2022, underscore our dedication to fostering a love for the game and nurturing talent.
Whether you aspire to be a professional leagues (Footballer) or simply wish to enjoy the camaraderie of team sport, Bede’s provides the tools and opportunities for you to reach your full potential.
David Caryer Director of Sport
E:
david.caryer@bedes.org
THE BEDE’S WAY
Our vision: To get the best out of every individual we work with and provide every player with a future football pathway once they leave Bede’s.
DAVID CARYER
DAN HARDING
HEAD COACH
David is a UEFA B, FA Youth Advanced Award qualified coach with over 15 years’ coaching experience across all age groups. David is currently the Sussex Schools U18 Manager, and an assistant ISFA U17 coach.
HEAD OF FOOTBALL
Dan is an ex-professional player and ex-Bede’s pupil who played for a number of clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham Forest. Dan played over 400 professional games including four England U21 caps.
Oliver Davies
Oliver is the Director of Swerve Football Academy, which has seen more than 5,000 players in attendance across all programmes. He also is the joint manager of our 1XI football team.
Tony Morriss
Tony specialises in the development of young athletes, sports injuries, prehab and rehab. Tony develops our bespoke strength and conditioning programmes for individuals and sports teams across the Trust.
Guiseppe Lombardelli
Guiseppe is a B licenced Football coach and a community coach for Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation and supports the coaching programme at Bede’s Senior School.
Andy Foulkes (Goalkeeper coach)
Andy started coaching his son’s football team in 2006 and soon took responsibility for goalkeepers across all age groups at the club. In 2008 he joined Chelsea FC football in the community and pre-academy as a goalkeeper coach. Andy himself has represented Sussex at all age groups from U12 to the senior team and has recently been enjoying veterans football.
David Byrne
The girl’s football programme is led by David at the Senior School. David is also responsible for the Trust’s entire sport programme, which comprises extensive elite and participation programmes. He is passionate about ensuring that all pupils are involved in some form of physical activity that they enjoy.
Kellie Larkin
Coaching at Bede’s Prep is led by Kellie Larkin. Kellie played for the Brighton & Hove Albion Centre of Excellence from the ages of 8 to 16 years old and she went on to represent England at U17 and U19 level. She continued her football career at Chelsea Football Club, winning the league in her first season.
Supported by vast variety of other qualified coaches
“The coaching at Bede’s is on another level. They don’t just tell you what to do; they explain why, and they tailor their approach to each player. The coaches’ knowledge and experience, combined with their genuine passion for the game, really helped me understand football in a way I never had before. It’s not just about drills; it’s about developing your football IQ and giving you the tools to succeed. I’ve learned so much, and I’m a much better player because of it.”
Aldin, Lower Sixth
PREP PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
At Bede’s Prep School, you will find the same vision and values as the Senior School - we aim to get the very best out of every pupil and provide every player with a football pathway. Coaching is led by Kellie Larkin, supported by David Caryer and Dan Harding. This integrated approach to coaching supports players in their transition up to the Senior School. In 2024, the U13 squad participated in the IAPS National Finals and finished runners-up, out of all competing Prep Schools in the country.
TRAINING SESSIONS
At the Prep School the football programme runs during the Autumn Term with boys training at least twice a week and fixtures running on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Girls Football Programme runs during Activities on a Tuesday, with a training hub on Saturdays and during Games lessons (Monday and Friday) during the Spring Term. There is an opportunity to trial with the Swerve Senior School Academy on a Thursday evening throughout the academic year. There are additional opportunities for our elite players to train early mornings at the Prep School and Monday evenings at the Senior School.
SWERVE
Swerve Soccer in partnership with Bede’s School offers evening training programmes for both boys and girls in Years 1 - 8. The classes take place at Bede’s Senior School on Thursday evenings from 5:30pm-8:00pm. The programme also offers specific goalkeeper training.
Foundation Programme
(Y1-Y3) Thursday - No trial required
Development & GK Programme
(Y4-Y8) Thursdays - Trial Required
Technical Programme
(Y5-Y8) Thursday’s - Trial Required
GIRLS PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Bede’s offers a comprehensive, yearround Girls’ Football programme. The inclusive football programme features both performance and participation teams that take part in ISFA leagues, national tournaments (ESFA, ISFA) and County Cups, ensuring extensive match experience. The Girls’ Football Academy provides players with specialised coaching, fitness testing and individual development plans, supported by UEFA B and FA Youth Advanced coaches.
To enhance player development further, we offer connections and scouting opportunities with local clubs like Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Lewes FC and Eastbourne Borough FC. Players also receive specialised strength and conditioning sessions, and utilise VEO and HUDL video recordings for in-depth game analysis.
GIRLS PROGRAMME
• Year Round Training 2/3 times a week during afternoon activities
• National Cup and League Fixtures
• Additional small group coaching during the school day (3 hours across two week timetable)
• Opportunities for elite players to link in with Lewes FC Youth Development Teams
• Masterclasses from Lewes FC
• Opportunities to watch England Lionesses
• Strength and Conditioning sessions
• Veo recordings of games and Hudl video
• Analysis
TRAINING SESSIONS
Girls have the opportunity to train up to three times weekly, with selected players benefitting from additional smallgroup coaching (3 hours across two week timetable in year 9,12, and 13, 5 Hours across two week timetable in year 10/11) as part of the Girls’ Football Academy.
ALUMNI
Leilanni Nesbeth
Joined Bede’s in Year 10
Currently plays for Chicago Stars FC of the National Women’s Soccer League and the Bermuda national team
Full scholarship to Florida State before signing for Chicago in the 2024 MLS draft.
ISSY RANGER BRIGHTON & HOVE U16
Lola Brown
Joined Bede’s in Year 9
Signed her first professional contract with Chelsea in November 2024, at just 17 years old.
Young Lionesses U17 squad in 2024.
SENIOR PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Bede’s fields six senior teams and three junior teams at Year 9 and 10, allowing for high levels of participation. To maintain a consistent and high standard of coaching, all of our coaches participate in comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. This ensures that every team, regardless of their competitive level, adheres to the established Bede’s style of play and training methodology.
Throughout the season, players are assessed and may move across teams, reflecting their individual progress, effort, and attitude. This flexible approach allows us to ensure that each pupil is placed in an environment where they can thrive and contribute most effectively.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our commitment to providing a comprehensive football experience is evident in our participation teams. All participation teams (U14A, U14B, U14C, U15A, U15B, U15C Senior 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, 4th XI, 16A, 16B) play across two terms, allowing pupils to play a full season extending from August to April - a unique model in Independent School education.
All participation teams train twice per week and play matches every Saturday. Emphasising inclusivity and fostering a collaborative environment, all of our teams are mixed, allowing girls and boys to play alongside one another across all age groups and ability levels.
SENIOR ELITE PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Bede’s 1st XI Senior and Junior teams engage in a demanding fixture schedule, playing between 25 and 35 matches per season. This rigorous programme sees them competing against leading schools nationwide, as well as playing against prestigious Premier League academies like Brighton & Hove Albion. Our comprehensive fixtures schedule ensures that pupils consistently play in high level matches, allowing them to be challenged and to progress.
SEASON CONTENT
• 35+ Fixtures
• National Cups and Leagues
• Injury Prevention Workshops
• Strength & Conditioning Plan
• Analysis
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Guest Masterclasses With Professional Players
TRAINING SESSIONS
Pupils usually train for 8-10 hours per week which will also include a personalised strength and conditioning programme, yoga and non-impact work. Pupils receive further coaching in our Football Academies which range from 1.5 hours per week in Year 9, 12 and 13 to 2.5 hours per week in Years 10 and 11. Personalised programmes ensure that pupils have a manageable balance between their sports and academics.
3.30 - 4.30pm: Squad training
4.45 - 5.45pm: Yoga 11am - 12pm: Small group session
2.30 - 4.30pm: Squad training Rest day 2.30 - 4.30pm: Squad training or tournament fixture 9.30-10.30am: Small group strength and conditioning Game day Rest day
PLAYER INSIGHTS & PARTNERS
Wyscout is a leading football scouting platform offering an extensive database of player profiles, video footage, and detailed statistics. It’s used globally by clubs, scouts, agents, and analysts to identify talent, analyze opposition, and inform recruitment decisions, revolutionizing traditional scouting methods with datadriven insights.
Catapult GPS provides wearable technology for elite and amateur athletes, tracking key performance metrics like speed, distance, acceleration, and player load. This data helps coaches and athletes optimize training, prevent injuries, and enhance strategic decision-making across various sports. Catapult’s systems are widely used globally to improve individual and team performance.
Hudl is a comprehensive sports video analysis platform enabling coaches and athletes to review, analyze, and share game footage. It offers tools for tagging key moments, drawing on video, tracking statistics, and creating highlights. Used across various sports, Hudl helps teams improve performance, streamline workflows, and facilitate scouting and recruitment through data-driven insights.
Veo is an AI-powered camera system that automatically records and analyzes sports matches without a dedicated operator. It captures the entire field, uses AI to follow the ball and players, and then provides coaches and players with video footage, automatic highlights, and analytical data. Veo simplifies video analysis, making advanced tools accessible to teams at all levels.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING PROGRAMME
Bede’s has a full-time strength and conditioning coach, Tony Morriss, who works with all pupils who are interested in physical fitness and training. Tony offers bespoke support for our elite level players, working closely with David Caryer and the coaches. Having dedicated his career to training young people, he is extremely experienced in supporting athletes through growth-related problems, including Osgood Schlatters and Sever’s Disease. More broadly, he supports pupils in their prehab and rehab programmes.
MASTERCLASSES
Guest masterclasses offer a real insight into the professional game. At Bede’s, our footballers enjoy at least one masterclass per season. Previously, we have enjoyed masterclasses from ex-pupil Solly March (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Norwood (Exeter City, Ipswich Town and England U21) and Bruno Saltor (Chelsea Assistant and former Brighton & Hove Albion). Paul Scharner (Wigan and Austrian International)
Bruno saltor solly march
James norwood
TOURS & CAMPS
Bede’s football department provides players with international experience through annual tours to top European academies. In the past four years, we have visited AFC Ajax in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid in Spain and SL Benifica Lisbon in Portugal.
Bede’s Summer School is also partnered with world-renowned Spanish organisation, LALIGA. Through this exclusive partnership, we are able to offer tours to Madrid and international football camps at Bede’s Senior School during the school holidays.
PATHWAY SUCCESS STORIES
The main aim for Bede’s football is that pupils continue playing the beautiful game after they leave the School, whether recreationally or professionally. Many of our pupils have gone onto professional contracts
Solly March
Brighton & Hove Albion
Dynamic Brighton winger, Solly March offers relentless work rate, sharp crossing, and midfield versatility.
Ollie Hobden
Charlton Athletic
Hard-working, versatile midfielder, a tenacious tackler with a keen eye for a pass.
Liam Doyle
Brighton & Hove Albion U18
An accomplished goalkeeper, selected for England’s U15 team and signed by Brighton in Year 9.
James Norwood
Ipswich Town & England U21
Striker currently with Fleetwood Town, known for his prolific goalscoring.
Lola Brown
Chelsea & England WU17
Lola is a talented, fast and skillful winger who has plays for Chelsea and England youth teams.
Kobe Agbude
QPR
Kobe joined Bede’s for the Sixth Form, achieving excellent academic results in addition to signing for QPR.
Harry Mills
Brighton & Hove Albion
Left back for Brighton U21 and has represented Cyprus.
Fraser Widdop
Brighton & Hove Albion U18
Fraser is a promising young midfielder for Brighton’s U18 team known for his exceptional talent and strong work ethic.
Harvey Boddy
Brighton & Hove Albion U18
A talented footballer, signed by Brighton during his first year at Bede’s Senior School.
UK & USA Universities
Many Bede’s footballers have gone straight into top UK & USA university football sides including
Tom Collins
Dartmouth Football Scholar
Rohilla Nottingham University
Tom Howard Nottingham University
Matt Pickering Dartmouth Football Scholar
Oskar Lockyer Quincy, Illinois Footballl Scholar
Florida State University Chicago Stars FC & Bermuda
Ultimately, Bede’s football programme strives to cultivate a lifelong passion for the sport, ensuring pupils continue to engage with football beyond their school years. The success of our alumni stands as testament to this commitment.
Tarun
Leilanni Nesbeth