ProDirect Nottingham Academy

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.

23/07/2026

⚽ Ever wondered what it's like to train in a professional European academy? 🇧🇪

RECAP We had professional-led session at KAA Gent on Tour 🔥

Watch how they coach, the intensity, the detail, and the standards expected at the top level. If you're serious about improving your game, this is the type of session you need.

💭 What can you take into your own training? 👇 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments.

🎥 Hit play and level up.

AcademyFootball NextLevel FuturePro Footballers YouthFootball TrainLikeAPro

21/07/2026

This week our players took part in high-intensity small-sided games alongside Championship referees,

Trialling new rules and seeing first-hand how top officials make split-second decisions under pressure.

📍 Incredible grass pitches at Loughborough University
⚽ Fast-paced, competitive football
🟨 Learn the game from a referee's perspective
🏆 Supporting the development of the next generation of Premier League referees

Football isn't just about playing—it's about understanding the game at the highest level.