Academy 11
The Teams
Academy 11 covers all ages, from pre-academy (ages 7-8) to Under-19s. Our teams are open to boys and girls and we are forming female-specific groups. In total, we have 70+ players across 6 teams competing in regional leagues and tournaments.
The Coaches
We continuously seek out talented Ghanaian coaches who are passionate about developing their coaching skills, and assist them in acquiring the highest coaching qualifications. They are led by our Academy Director, James Francis, an experienced and highly qualified UEFA coach who originates from England
The Pathway
While the priority is education, our players have ambitions of becoming professional footballers. We provide the players with a pathway, depending on their ability and potential, which may include opportunities to sign for clubs in Europe, receive scholarships to play at the collegiate level in the United States, or to join Premier League teams in Ghana.
Our Football Philosophy
Academy 11 starts with the premise that growth within the game of soccer is not only beneficial to health and development in sport, but also in developing life skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, and overcoming adversity. We strive to create an environment where players can learn and compete in a positive and productive way. Football is a player-led game where the players must make the decisions, and our staff teaches players how to develop this vital skill.
We play possession-orientated football with a focus of playing out from the back. We attack with speed and control through quick and varied passing, with width and depth to disorganize our opponent. We look to regain possession as quickly as possible in our middle and defensive thirds, pressing aggressively as a unit. In transition to attack we aim to play forward quickly with possession of the ball, using the full width of the field.
Our Facilities
We have our own clubhouse in Teshie where we run our food program, educational lessons, events and house players/staff. Through our field partnership with St. Timothy’s Senior High School in Teshie, we work with them to improve the playing fields and surrounding areas for the benefit of the school, Academy 11, and the local community.
Our City
We are based in Accra, the capital of Ghana, with a population of over 4 million people. Football isn’t just popular in the city, it’s a way of life. Representing the Black Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium is the dream of every young player.