The philosophy of the DCFC Academy is to focus on a purposeful passing style of football. This means that we will recruit with such intention and equip our players with the technical and tactical skills that allow our teams to control and influence the game when in or out of possession.
We will create an environment where our players will have the athletic ability and mental strength to regain possession of the ball and consequently regain control of the game. Our Academy values, behaviours and coaching methods will underpin this philosophy.
We will recruit and develop both the players and staff with similar beliefs and work ethics to create an outstanding team spirit both on and of the pitch. We want to play attack-minded football through a positive, purposeful and forward-thinking incisive passing game, exploiting the space and progressing through the pitch when possible to enter the final third in order to create goal-scoring opportunities. Out of possession, press from the front and play with organisation, discipline and a will to defend.
To annually provide talented, well balanced young professional footballers for Derby County's first-team squad and become the Academy of choice for young players.
Mission
To identify, develop and support talented young footballers in order for them to achieve their maximum potential in a positive, supportive and professional learning environment.
Philosophy
The DCFC Academy teams focus on a purposeful passing style of football. This means that we will recruit with such intention and equip our players with the technical and tactical skills that allow our teams to control and influence the game when in or out of possession.
We will create an environment where our players will have the athletic ability and mental strength to regain possession of the ball and consequently regain control of the game. Our Academy values, behaviours and coaching methods will underpin this philosophy.
We will recruit and develop both the players and staff with similar beliefs and work ethics to create an outstanding team spirit both on and of the pitch. We play attack-minded football through a positive, purposeful and forward-thinking incisive passing game, exploiting the space and progressing through the pitch when possible to enter the final third in order to create goal-scoring opportunities. Out of possession, press from the front and play with organisation, discipline and a will to defend.
Academy Of Choice
Academy Manager Darren Wassall said: "The management team at the DCFC Academy is passionate to make a difference. We have Premier League aspirations and therefore must be in the position to exploit the Premier League ruling on home grown players. With this in mind we have created a comprehensive technical and tactical programme that will support this and make Derby County the 'Academy of Choice' for young players of all ages."
Values
Our values are at the core of all that we do.
Our values will shape our behaviours and relationships with everyone with whom we work
* Learning
* Culture
* Players
* Excellence
* Communication
* Honesty
Objectives
1. To ensure that the needs of young footballers are at the heart of all that we do
2. To set high football, academic and social standards and act as a positive role models in all our behaviours
3. To provide a supportive disciplined environment where scholars and staff take pride in themselves and their surroundings
4.To develop an outstanding network of talent identification that ensures that all players, parents and partners are treated with honesty, integrity and respect
5. To develop an outstanding learning programme that will maximise players' potential and produce outstanding young footballers
6. To effectively communicate the aims and objectives of the academy with all stakeholders
7. To promote and support positive outcomes related to health, education and overall development
8. To recognise and celebrate scholars' success and recognise and acknowledge sound attitudes and behaviours
9. To develop positive and honest relationships with all stakeholders including players, parents, feeder organisations and all external partners
Academy Staff: Full Time staff- Coaching
Academy Manager & Head of Coaching: Darren Wassall
Senior Professional Development Coach: Johnny Metgod
Professional Development Phase Coach: Pat Lyons
Assistant Professional Development Phase Coach: Lee Glover
Lead Goalkeeper Coach: Jason Pearcey
Lead Youth Development Phase Coach: Craig Short
Assistant Youth Development Phase Coach: Adam Barradell
Lead Foundation Phase Coach: Josh Butler
Part-time Coaching Staff
Under 15 Coaches: Lee Morris & Lee Glover
Under 14 Coaches: Adam Barradell & Danny Holmes
Under 13 Coaches: Justin Walker & Andrew Rose
Under 12 Coaches: Keith Gilroy & Michael Lyons
Under 11 Coaches: Adam Thorley & Steven Doyle
Under 10 Coaches: Richard Astle & Ayrton Wassall
Under 9 Coaches: Josh Butler & Lewis Bourne
Goalkeeping Coach: Richard Taylor
Operations
Operations Manager: Darren Heyes
Head of Recruitment: Simon Clough
Head of Education & Welfare: Simon Ord
Academy Secretary: Denise Kirby
Academy Secretary: Lindsey Booth
Development Centre Coordinator: Andrew Rose
Head of Sport Science and Medicine: Sam McGregor
Senior Academy Physiotherapist: George Polglass
Physiotherapist: Simon Arundel
Lead Sports Scientist: Adam Robinson
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach: Adam Burrows
Kit and Logistics Manager: Paul Cooper
Performance Analyst: Steven Doyle
Assistant Performance Analyst: Chris Hooper and Craig Thomas
Derby County's Academy is based at Derby County's Moor Farm training ground.
The best forms of contact are stated below:
Telephone: 01332 280981
Email:academy@dcfc.co.uk
Address: Derby County Academy, Moor Farm Training Ground, Morley Road, Oakwood, DE21 4TB.