September 2024 saw the first intake of our newly formed development boys join our
Academy programme under the leadership of ex Academy student Aaron Pengelly. Aaron
was part of our second ever intake of Academy students and has since graduated Essex
University with a degree in Sports Performance & Coaching. Over the past 9 seasons he has
worked in our YDP phase taking our current Under 16 boys through the various age groups
alongside Jody Downs and becomes the first ex academy student to join the staff force.
Our development boys have the benefit of full time education (NCFE Level 3 Extended
Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity) daily training including strength & conditioning plus
competing in the England College FA Invitational League on a Wednesday afternoon. The
boys opened the season with a 3-2 away victory at Haverhill Rovers with two goals from
Arda Obsasi and one from Joe Villagordon. We held on to record the victory after being 3-0
with Kieran Richardson in the away goal making a fine save late on to ensure the three
points returned to Sudbury. Next up for the boys is another away trip to Writtle College.
On Saturdays/Sundays our development boys have represented local clubs with Brayden
Daniels a regular for Hedingham in the Essex & Suffolk Border League, Ethan Nyatanga
winning man of the match awards for Long Melford F.C U23 and Ryan Norfolk playing in the
Thurlow Nunn U18 league for our good friends Sporting 87 to name a few.
Academy Manager, Craig Power “The launch of development boys has been a really positive
step for the academy with all students integrating well across the whole academy. Our
Academy Captain Stanley Richardson came to find me after hearing the boys won their first
league game and his delight was clear to see. I’m looking forward to watching these boys
progress over the coming months”.
Lead development boys coach Aaron Pengelly “I am delighted to be back at AFC Sudbury
Academy, where I spent 2 great years playing Football. I started coaching at AFC Sudbury in
my first year, taking an interest in Coaching after doing my FA Level 1 as part of my
coursework. Now, as a coach, my aim is to relay the valuable technical and tactical
knowledge passed down to me by Craig Power, Danny Laws, and Dave Cannon, to the new
generation of players at the academy.
To register your interest in our development programmes October half term trial event please complete the below online form. Any questions please email academy.afc@gmail.com

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k78nDS3jGfbv43kYXwhoAtAcIsC5Bsj-h_6N96Y-aC8/edit