Lincoln City Academy’s Emerging Talent programme had a successful 2022/23 season with a number of highlights for coaches and players.

The programme has evolved over the past few campaigns and showcases the talent within the city and the region on a consistent basis. The weekly sessions are geared towards pre-academy players, pathway players and emerging talent goalkeepers. 

With the men’s and women’s first teams and academy reporting back for pre-season, there are a selection of success stories from last season to share ahead of the new campaign. 

Coach Stories 

Several of the coaches from the programme have been completing the UEFA coaching and futsal qualifications to develop their skills for the new season. All of the coaches work full time or are studying alongside their work on our programme with a desire to develop themselves which results in a better environment for all of the players in the programme. 

The coaching staff have also had some internal progressions, and after a successful recruitment process two of our coaches will be joining our academy coaching staff for the 23/24 season. Welcome and congratulations to Iona (far right) and Mark (third from the right). 

Player Stories 

The programme has had numerous success stories throughout last season. Every player’s journey is different and therefore success shows in many ways, however all of the coaches are pleased with the development shown over the season from all of the players both on and off the pitch. 

Three players have signed to the academy from the programme this season - congratulations Freddie, Owen, and Adrian! Further players have had trials and with others starting trials with the academy on return to the new season. 

The players on the programme all represent a variety of teams in the local area, and so there are lots of achievements to celebrate at grassroots level away from the Imps too. 

The coaches asked Cai, Joel, and Owen to share some of their season achievements. All three have had success in their own way with Cai winning the Coronation cup with his Greenbank Athletico team.  

Owen has represented his school reps’ team and won the double with his Sunday team.  

Joel has had opportunities to not only play at City’s academy, but also for Leicester City in fixtures too! 

Q: What have you enjoyed most about the Emerging Talent Programme? 

Cai – “Getting to represent Lincoln City.  It was a brilliant feeling when we won the Worksop Town tournament.” 

Owen – “The help from all the coaches to make me a better player and further extend my goalkeeping knowledge.” 

Joel – “I have loved when I have had opportunity to play up with the older age group and learning new skills.” 

Q: What is your favourite thing about football? 

Cai – “I really enjoy seeing myself progress after putting in lots of hard work at training and in the gym.” 

Owen – “The passion that it creates and communities that it brings together.” 

Joel – “To learn new skills and making friends.”

Q: What has been your biggest football development this season?

Cai – “Developing into a more physical player who can play in central midfield, as a wing back, and in defence.” 

Owen – “The ability to use all the things I have learnt in the emerging talent and implement it into matches. Especially the ability to read the game and react to different situations.” 

Joel – “Learning my barriers and learning new ways of how to shoot a ball.” 

The programme’s coaches would like to thank all of the parents, guardians and players for their dedication and hard work throughout the past season as they look forward to seeing everyone again for 2023/24. 

Open sessions for the programmes take place throughout the season with a date planned for August 2023. 

Please email emergingtalent@theredimps.com  register your interest.