Shield Academy was founded in 2007 by Dan Seymour, Matt Harding and Richard Fox. Shield Academy was formed with 15 boys, one bag of balls, some cones and a bit of space in a park.
In 6 years we have grown tremendously, welcoming nearly 200 boys through our gates every week.
Below you’ll find a sample of Shield Academy’s recent accolades:
2007/08
Overview:
- Shield grows immediately to 4 teams
- Shield joins the Thundermite League
Accolades:
- Under 10’s Crowned Champions of the Thundermite ‘A’ Division
- Rhian Brewster signs for Chelsea FC
- Director of Football, Dan Seymour appointed to the Chelsea FC Academy staff
2008/09
Overview:
- Shield has 6 teams.
Accolades:
- Under 9’s finish runners up in the Thundermite ‘Premier’ Division
2009/10
Overview:
- Shield has 8 teams.
- Shield enters the ECHO Junior Football League..
- All Shield teams consolidate their positions within their respective leagues.
- Shield Under 10’s finish 2nd in the ECHO ‘B’ Division
Accolades:
- Under 10’s finish 2nd in the Echo ‘B’ Division
- Lewis Englishby signs for Wycombe
- Salim Nassor signs for Reading
2010/11
Overview:
- Shield Under 10’s Win their respective division
2011/12
Overview:
- Shield Academy launches new club structures.
- Shield now has 9 teams.
- The first ever Shield Community Scheme is launched.
2012/13
Overview:
- Shield has 10 teams.
- Shield launches its Girl’s academy and technical school
Accolades:
- Under 9 Red’s finish 2nd in their division and gain promotion.
- Under 12’s finish 3rd in their division and gain promotion.
- Godson signs for Leyton Orient.
2013/14
Overview & Accolades:
- Shield has 15 teams.
- Shield launches its Mini Shield’s section for 5-7 year olds.
- Shield U12 Red’s win the league and promotion to the top flight.
- Shield U12 Black gain promotion to the ECHO Premier League on the last day of the season.
- Shield reaches its first ever cup final.
- Shield is awarded FA Charter Standard Development Status.
- Shield is awarded the FA Charter Development Club of the Year Award.
2014/15
Overview & Accolades:
U11 Blue league winners
U11 Blue win league and cup double
U13 Blue league winners
U13 Blue cup finalists
U14 promoted to ECHO ‘A’ Division
2015/16
Overview & Accolades:
250 players playing weekly at Shield Academy!
U12 Blue promoted