Long established as having the premier youth football programme in the Cayman Islands, Academy Sports Club is taking its dedication to developing the next generation of footballers to new heights with the hiring of its first full-time professional coach.

Ben Pugh has got to work quickly as Academy’s Youth Coach, overseeing all technical aspects club’s youth football curriculum and provides ongoing training to other of the club’s youth coaches.

He is formerly a lead Youth Development Phase Coach at Ipswich Town FC and he has over 12 years in youth football coaching. He has a UEFA A Coaching License as well as completing his FA Advanced Youth Award and has served as a coach within a professional football environment for the past 8 years. Ben also has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Suffolk.

“I’m excited to come to the Cayman Islands and build on an already excellent platform for youth development,” said Coach Pugh. “The energy and enthusiasm the youngsters have been showing is great and they. I’m looking forward to working with the other coaches to make a positive contribution to the club.”

In addition to overseeing the club’s youth programme, Pugh will coach teams from Academy’s U13 and U15 boys’ age groups, as well as the U13 Girls team.

“Having Coach Ben join us at Academy is in keeping with our vision to continually develop our programme and enhance the skills of emerging footballers in the Cayman Islands,” said Paul Byles, Academy’s Head of Youth Development.

“He brings the qualities necessary to help us provide the most beneficial training to our boys and girls, while preparing them not only for play in local competitions but to assist some of them on their journey toward collegiate opportunities overseas,” Byles added.

Academy Sports Club’s motto is “The books and the ball, you have it all”. This encompasses what the club is all about, with equal attention paid to the academy success of its players as much as to the skills they display on the field.

For further information about Academy Sports Club’s youth programmes, you can email[email protected] or call (345) 925-5032.