Crewe Alex player 'excited and passionate' to launch new coaching company in town
By Ryan Parker
4th Apr 2023 | Local News
A Crewe Alexandra player is 'excited and passionate' to launch a new coaching company in the town - aiming to 'bridge the gap' between amateur and academy level.
Conor Thomas Academy was established this March - offering one-to-one and small group sessions to kids in Crewe, Nantwich and Alsager.
The 29-year-old Crewe Alexandra midfielder joined the club in summer 2022 - already completing his UEFA B coaching license aged 21.
"I just want this to be me giving back to the local area. I don't want it to be massive," said Thomas.
Conor Thomas Academy sessions are now taking place at The Brittles, off Church Lane, and Barony Park, off Barony Road, Nantwich.
The Crewe Alexandra player has done something similar before while playing for previous clubs.
Thomas told Nub News: "Me and my friend started an academy when playing for Coventry and it did really well with 40 kids.
"Since then, I have been coaching at different clubs and doing a bit locally wherever I've been.
"In March, a few parents asked me to do coaching sessions with their kids here at Crewe.
"They said if we can find you a venue would you mind doing one-to-ones with them and it went from there."
Conor Thomas Academy is aimed at bridging 'the gap' between Sunday League and academy-level football coaching.
The former Cheltenham Town, Swindon Town, Coventry City and Liverpool player wants to implement all his ideas to kids in his new sessions.
Thomas said: "I like to implement all my ideas. The coaching from Sunday league to academy-level is like chalk and cheese.
"Sometimes it's good to bridge the gap. I want show the high standards of professional football to young players.
"The core principles and foundations need to be put in place to give kids the best possible chance at succeeding.
"I am glad Conor Thomas Academy is up and running and I am excited and passionate about getting it going."
Thomas has enjoyed his time with Crewe Alexandra so far - despite his team being lower mid-table in League Two.
The defensive midfielder says the squad is now searching for more consistency, adding: "It's been a difficult season results wise and hopefully we can improve next year.
"We have had some good performances and results but are trying to find that consistency.
"There are good people at the club. The management are great with the players from first-team to academy level."
Conor Thomas Academy is operating one-hour weekly coaching sessions to football-aspiring kids.
Thomas runs an initial generic session with each individual to get the feel for their overall footballing ability.
The Crewe Alex professional will then put a personalised programme in place - discussing with the player's parents their key development areas to focus on.
To book sessions with Conor Thomas Academy, email: [email protected].
READ MORE: Crewe Alex star delivers unrehearsed pitch team-talk in big away league victory.
Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.
Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.
Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.
New crewe Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: crewe jobs
Share: