FC Rise: A Powerful Start, with Eyes on the Future

With the start of a new programme and the throwing together of a bunch of players, you’re never quite sure what kind of start you’ll get off to. With this in mind, I am pleased to say we have had a terrific first term of football. Our first block of training was based around forming the foundations for the programme: work the hardest, show respect, and communicate positively. These are all controllable and require no technical expertise, so everyone can demonstrate them. Once these habits started to form, we introduced our principles of play, and training involved more structured tactical practice. The aim with this is to show clear identity, that the casual onlooker would recognise as ‘our way’, when they watch us play. The Ferdinand Collective’s ethos of empowering the player and building the person drives our day-to-day. Our players helped run the primary school girls’ tournament, through coaching teams, refereeing and handling scoring. Supporting events like this is essential to us; it helps us be positive role models for younger generations. 

In the league, we have played seven games, notching six wins and one draw. We have scored 62 goals over that seven-game period. We have shown creativity getting to goal and have become more resilient and organised in defence. Organisation and communication are key to this, as everyone gains a deeper understanding of the players around them and how they connect, in and out of possession. With a team comprised of nearly 50% international players, I have been encouraged by the welcoming attitude and togetherness everyone has shown. Leaders are emerging, driving our standards and holding others to account. Liam has been fantastic as captain, taking on more than an on-pitch leadership role. I really value the development of these soft skills for our players to prepare them for wherever they go after Kingsley. I see Kingsley as the place where young players will learn discipline and resilience but will also be inspired to find their passion and motivated to strive for success.  

Outside our programme, it has been great to see various players doing well. I have encouraged those interested to get involved in men’s football to some degree. We now have six players in and around good-level men’s football, with a couple featuring prominently each week. I have also seen Zak take up work at the café at Kingsley and Liam refereeing JPL football. An essential part of our programme is to open doors for players, broadening their horizons for potential careers. Football can lead you down many avenues, not only the professional player path. While Riley is recovering from his injury, I’ll be creatively thinking about how I can involve him and help him utilise this time as productively as possible, such as helping with coaching sessions and doing individual player reports for games. It has been warming to see Riley back in school, smiling and seeing the positive side of things.  

Looking forward, we’re excited for our scholarship week in January to see the next cohort of Rise players in action again. They will get a taste of our sessions and meet those already on the programme, helping them manage expectations ahead of a potential September start.  

I’m already looking forward to January and getting back on the pitch. For now, have a great Christmas and a happy New Year! 

Frank Rosenwald

Head of FC Rise | Kingsley Football Academy | Devon

Part of the Ferdinand Collective