New Ops Head Recognises Academy’s “Real Vision and Ambition to Succeed” - Stephen Stennett Joins Academy
Hailing from Nottingham, often spotted at the Windsor Foodservice Stadium with arms folded and a contemplative expression, Worksop Town Academy’s new Football Operations Executive Stephen Stennett cuts a formidable silhouette as he observes a training session. I sat down with ‘Super Steve’ to glean some insight into what he hoped to bring to the role, and his overall first impressions of the club and the Academy.
“I am really looking forward to being a part of this club,” Steve began, “being around the ground and in the office, you get a sense that the organisation is focused on forward thinking, with a real vision and ambition to succeed.”
Steve brings a vast wealth of experience to the Academy, and the UEFA A Licence coach has previously worked in youth development roles internationally in Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, as well as experience in a multitude of roles at Kemi City in Finland, and Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Sheffield United, and Chesterfield in the UK. Steve has also worked in the women’s game, within the FA Women’s Elite Player Performance Programme and within a number of Regional Talent Centres (RTC) at Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Lincolnshire CFA
“I am also looking forward to supporting the young players within the Academy, both in terms of their footballing progress and their personal development.” Steve continued, with an eye still on the Academy sessions on the pitch; with over ten years of experience as a Coach Educator, Tutor, and in Player Development with the English FA, that intent comes with a level of weight that can only boost the Academy’s future on both sides of the touchline. Indeed, players, parents, and staff would all agree that this new face has brought a reinforced confidence in the programme, mostly due to Steve’s keen attention to detail and passion for youth football. As if to reiterate this point, he continued.
“Ultimately, the coaching staff and support staff are also on a journey of personal development, and supporting and encouraging the continuation of that personal development is essential in order to continue to improve the standards within the Academy, across all levels.”
Steve’s role will focus on the Academy teams primarily, namely those within the Junior Premier League this year, but he has already shown his versatility, taking responsibility for elements of coaching, man management, education, administrative work, and entertaining anecdotes. Worksop Town Academy welcomes Steve to the organisation, and hopes to build a long and successful relationship in the coming years.