Duncan Fearnhead

I am stepping down from my role as Academy Manager at Accrington Stanley. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to our current and former staff who have shown dedication & professionalism, & without them, none of our progress would have been possible.

Delighted to be invited to contribute to the skills.lab Summit and share examples of the great work done by staff at Accrington Stanley, in particular around how Player Care has such an impact on Recruitment and Talent Development.

A massive congratulations to Ben King, another example of some of the incredible staff that we’ve managed to bring to our Academy over recent years!

Transitioning from academy to first team football is one of the most crucial and challenging periods in a player's career. It’s a time when young players need guidance, support, and structured development both on and off the pitch.

This place has incredible potential that’s yet to be fully realised.

Along with the great off the pitch work by @ASFCofficial staff, a big congratulations on the pitch to Connor O’Brien, with a first U21 international appearance following a positive debut season & another U19 international goal for Lewis Trickett

Beyond Football - Empowering Young Athletes On and Off The Pitch by Reframing Academy Identity - Some great work over recent years from our staff with a big emphasis on Player Care alongside on-pitch development @ASFCofficial

There has been some great work @ASFCacademy over recent years and we’re beginning to see it out on the pitch. There’s more to come still & with some exciting new signings to add, @ASFCofficial is the place to be for young talent to get their chance. Big thanks to all the staff.

🇦🇹 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩-𝙂𝙚𝙣... #asfc are delighted to announce that 2024/25 Early Bird Season Tickets and First Half-Season Tickets will be available to purchase from the retail shop at 12pm on Tuesday 20th February!

A full debut @ASFCofficial for @ASFCacademy Youth Team captain Aaron Pickles was another positive last night. A tough test that he’ll learn loads from. I’ve no doubt he can go on to be a regular in future.

Hopefully the first of many! I’ve known Connor since he was 7 years old and he has continually shown himself to be one of the most driven players I’ve ever known. Absolutely delighted for him

Youth Team into the cup semi final against Burnley and then in @EmiratesFACup for @ASFCofficial Toby Savin man of the match Aaron Pickles debut Leslie Adekoya scores Good day for @ASFCacademy

Another year of progress @ASFCacademy Hughie & Freddie continuing their fundraising with run 17 at the Wham International recognition Youth Team players involved with the First Team First Team debuts More progress off the pitch with some recent additions to the staff

We’ve had 4 fantastic learning experiences in the FA Youth Cup & shown we can compete with really good teams. All the players & staff have been fantastic throughout. We’re definitely moving in the right direction @ASFCacademy

Thanks to all of the players, staff & everyone involved @ASFCacademy We’ve taken lots of steps to improve on & off the pitch. Everyone involved should be proud of what we’ve done so far as we continue building for the future @ASFCofficial

A brilliant end to the year with a massive amount raised in 50 days. It’s amazing what children can do when you leave them to it and to me it shows the value of investing in youth and supporting opportunities.

Amazing effort! What a way to finish running on Christmas Day too! Have a great Christmas everyone 🎄

Head of Coaching role available @ASFCacademy - closing date Monday 30th November

Great 3 points and a fifth consecutive clean sheet for @SavinToby which is a massive achievement for a goalkeeper so young