ProDirect Nottingham Academy

11/09/2026

From grassroots to the premier league stage 🏟️ 📈

Yesterday we welcomed Akil Howson to ProDirect Nottingham.
An established Premier League and EFL referee to our site to talk to our learners. Akil shared his refereeing experiences and struggles along his journey. Akil made history by being the first black match official to officiate the FA cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City in 2026.

Akil also went explained some of the new rule changes within football for the new upcoming season with our learners giving them an insight before the season commences.

A great opportunity for our learners to take on Akil’s life experiences and that not everyone’s journey is easy facing many setbacks along his way.

09/09/2026

Pre season in full flow 🔋📈💪🏼

When opposition pull out we continue to play games. Giving our learners the opportunity to grow and develop at every opportunity possible. Game time is crucial in player development and giving them the stage to have that is key.

⚽️

07/09/2026

⚽️ WEEK 1 WE’RE BACK. 🔥

The first day back at college and the standards are already being set!

💪 Fitness for performance
⚽️ Competitive games
🧠 Learning, developing & pushing each other
😂 Plenty of enjoyment along the way

It’s not just about becoming better footballers — it’s about becoming better teammates, building relationships and growing together.

New season. New challenges. Same ambition. 🚀

The journey starts here.

NextGeneration TogetherWeGrow FootballJourney BackToCollege

20/08/2026

🎤 A chance to hear it from someone who's lived it

Our students had the opportunity to listen to share his football journey — the highs, the setbacks, what he thinks of on the pitch and what it really takes to reach the top level

These are the experiences that help young players see what's possible and learn from those who have walked the path before them

Opportunities like this aren't easy to access, but at ProDirect Academy we're committed to giving our players unique insights, connections, and experiences that go far beyond the pitch

⚽ Learn. Connect. Be Inspired.

FootballOpportunities

14/08/2026

12/08/2026

🚨 Player Spotlight 🚨

⭐️ Alex Akinkuolie ⭐️

Alex joined Pro Direct in 2023 as a young fullback and CDM. Alex developed leaps and bounds during his 3 years at Pro Direct earning the opportunity to represent the Pro11 squad against stoke Under 18s and also showcasing his talent against Notts County’s B team on two separate occasions. Alex earned these opportunities through countless tenacious performances. Whilst Alex was excelling within Pro Direct he also began his men’s football career with Notts Olympic in 2024 at just 17 years of age. Alex is now wanted by multiple non-league clubs as a result of his dedication and hard work. Alex was also fortunate enough as a Leicester city fan to get the opportunity to film with Leicester city’s Jamie Vardy as a result of being consistent in the classroom and in the pitch. This young man will without a doubt achieve spectacular things on and off the pitch.📈🔥⚽️

30/07/2026

What does it actually take to train like a PDA player?

At ProDirect Academy, our coaching environment is built on five non-negotiables:

Elite Standards: Holding players accountable to top-tier expectations every single day

Cat 1 Coaching: UEFA-qualified staff bringing professional academy methodology to the pitch

High Intensity: Training at match speed so game day feels natural

Clear Intent: Every drill, pass, and movement has a tactical purpose

Detail-Driven Attention: Sharpening the small things that turn good players into elite ones

Take a look behind the scenes at how we work. 👇
Want to join our environment? Drop us a DM or head to our website to find out more.

29/07/2026

FROM HARD WORK → INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL 🌍⚽️

Inspiring role model 🙌🏼 a delight to train with us back in 2023

The journey doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s the early mornings
The extra sessions
The setbacks
The days nobody is watching
The decision to keep going when it would be easier to stop

From developing as a young player ➡️ becoming a professional in Switzerland 🇨🇭 ➡️ now representing his country at international level 🌍

A reminder that your starting point doesn’t define your destination. Your habits do, and this guy epitomises this

Keep working. Keep learning. Keep believing.

The next chapter could be yours. 🔥

24/07/2026

🚨 Player Spotlight 🚨

⭐️ Jamie Birch ⭐️

The young shot stopper started his journey with us at Pro Direct Academy in 2024. Throughout his time at Pro Direct Jamie worked hard endlessly to master his craft earning himself many opportunities to showcase his talent. Jamie has showcased his talent with the Pro 11 squad against stoke city, derby county, Luton town, hull city, Salford city u21s and Notts county’s B team. Jamie Birch also started his men’s football career with Cotgrave fc at just 17 years old becoming the league champions at step 7. The young shot stopper was incredibly fortunate to go and train with Eastbourne boroughs first team who finished third in the national league south in 2024. Jamie has a very bright future ahead of him and will without a doubt progress through the football pyramid.