THE TEAM
Academy Staff Profile
Ash Rahman
Academy Director
At the age of just 18-years-old, Ash set his sights on tackling the
lack of opportunity available for gifted young footballers to make
an impact within the professional game.
He came up with an idea of launching a school of excellence, a centre where the
most promising players could fine tune their talents and achieve a better understanding
of the game.
He also planned to help put the players who were good enough on a pedestal, giving
scouts and coaches from professional clubs the chance to see their talents.
After seven years of hard work developing a structure, recruiting the right team
and finding sponsorship, the Pro Touch Soccer Academy was born. Speaking on what
is without doubt his greatest ever achievement, Ash said: "Coaching and
guidance are vital in helping young footballers make it within the professional
game.
"I've always wanted to play a part in helping footballers who are good enough
get that chance to prove themselves. That is the sole aim of the Pro Touch Soccer
Academy."
With the exception of a brief trial at Leyton Orient, Ash never played professional
football and was never really given the chance to prove just how good a player
he was. Staying close to the game, he turned his attentions towards coaching
and managing, taking over the reins at King's Cross United with close friend
Will Cave.
Since then he has gone on to accomplish numerous goals within the sport, coaching
a host of successful men’s and women’s teams from across London.
Among his successes include leading King's Cross Lithgow to a host of top honours
around the country, including the prestigious Canary Cup in 2000.
He has also successfully pitted his wits against some of the best young managers
from across Europe, securing a hat-trick of bronze medals at the Dana Cup, which
was held in Denmark.
During the 1990s Ash coached and assisted some of the most gifted and talented
young prospects that Camden and Islington had to offer. They included Abdul Koysor,
who enjoyed spells at Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic, Leon Fisher, who played
for Watford and England under-17s, and Sam Oji, who has moved to Hereford United
after spending time at both Arsenal and Birmingham FC.
Ash has also played an influential role in the career of Anthony Wordsworth,
a gifted young midfielder who is on the verge of securing a first-team place
at League One side Colchester United.
With almost 13 years of experience under his belt, Ash has developed
a great understanding of the media world that today's professional
footballers are exposed to. His work both on and off the pitch has
also merited various media coverage, with BBC, ITV and Channel Four
all producing documentaries on his achievements.
Ash has received the highest possible praise for all the hard work that he has
put in over the years, receiving invites to the Buckingham Palace and No.10 Downing
Street, where he met former Prime Minister, Tony Blair
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Zahid Hossain
Senior Development Manager
Over the past decade Zahid has become a highly respected and sought
after football coach.
Having worked with a number of successful football teams across London, he boasts
a vast knowledge of various coaching and training methods, and has also gained
valuable experience in major European youth tournaments such as the Dana Cup.
Zahid uses his knowledge as a digital producer to keep the Pro Touch Soccer Academy
at the forefront of technology, undertaking vital tasks like updating the website
and ensuring that the Soccer Academy continues to reach the widest possible audience.
He will be a key figure in helping the PTSA expand throughout 2010.
Zahid is MBA, BSc (Hons) qualified and holds an FA Level Two Coaching
Certificate Badge. He is due to start his FA Level Three UEFA 'B’ Coaching
Certificate this year.
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Taff Islam
Head of Coaching Programmes & Mentor
Taff started his journey in football at a very young age; and knew
almost straight a way that he wanted to be a professional footballer.
He represented various local Sunday League teams, his school and his district
before being selected to play for his country. His skills, determination and
belief landed him with a schoolboy contact with Queen’s Park Rangers and
later Luton Town FC.
With a clinical eye for goal he was soon making a name for himself within the
sport, which resulted in him being snapped up by his boyhood team Arsenal in
September 1996.
While playing and training with the Gunners’ Youth Academy, he was one
of ten boys selected to attend Highams Park School, a specialised program designed
by Arsenal in a bid to combine player’s education with training. The likes
of David Bentley (Tottenham Hotspur and England), Justin Hoyte (Middlesbrough),
John Spicer and Ryan Smith were just a few of the names that were involved in
this elite development program.
Taff has also been guided by some of the games great players and coaches, including
Neil Banfield, Liam Brady, Andy McDermid and former England coach Don Howe.
Taff continued to develop and gain a vast knowledge of the professional game,
representing Arsenal at academy, youth and reserves level. During his time at
the club he competed in a series of prestigious tournaments across Europe, playing
against the likes of FC Bayern Munich, Ajax, Lyon and PSV Eindhoven.
Feeling the harsh hand of the beautiful game, Taff was released by
Arsenal at end of the 2003 season. He went on to play in America, before
returning to the UK to have trials with Bristol City and Rusden and
Diamonds. He opted to sign for Gravesend and Northfleet FC, now known
as Ebbsfleet, who play in the Blue Square Premier League. Taff has
continued to play at semi-professional level.
Taff has completed his FA Level Three UEFA ‘B’ Coaching Certificate
with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and is currently working
towards completing his UEFA ‘A’ License. He has also completed his
training for the Youth Coaches Award, which is designed for coaches working with
elite players within the Professional Academies set-up.
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Mustapha Turay
Community Sports Coach & Academy Administrator
Mustapha
is known as the “Special One” to his fellow colleagues,
a fitting nickname considering his tough and determined climb since the days
when he started playing football back in his native Sierra Leone.
Like many kids growing up in Africa in the early 1990s, pursuing a career in
football was a “no go” area as there was more emphasis put on
education.
When he relocated to England, his father urged him to finish his education
and pursue a law degree. After completing a degree in Human Resource Management
at the University of Luton, Mustapha was elected as a sabbatical officer (Vice
President ‘Education and Representation’) managing the Student
Union Advice Centre and providing information and advice to students.
Since joining the PTSA backroom staff in 2007, he has enjoyed great success,
winning the One Youth Cup with the Pro Touch Community under-12s and the One
Euro Youth Cup with both the under -13s and 15s. Mustapha is an FA Level Two
qualified coach and is due to start his FA Level Three UEFA 'B’ Coaching
Certificate in 2010
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Joe Girma
Head of Fitness, Mentor & Personal Trainer
Joe started his football journey playing with Queen's Park Rangers
at the age of 13.
After an impressive debut season, he became hot property and was offered a schoolboy
contract at a host of top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Charlton Athletic
and Leyton Orient.
After much thought and deliberation he decided to join Wimbledon FC, now known
as the MK Dons, where he played until he was released at 17. Joe continued to
try and make it in the professional ranks by joining Leyton Orient on a pay-as-you-play
contract, before moving to semi-professional side Wingate and Finchley.
With his dream fast turning into a nightmare, Joe was forced to take drastic
action and decided a career change was the best solution. He turned to education,
achieving a diploma in sports science.
Now working as a health and fitness consultant, Joe teaches in various gyms,
offering a range of different classes including circuit work, body conditioning
and aerobics.
Joe has survived the darker side of football and gone on to enjoy a successful
career within the fitness industry, becoming a beacon of hope to all the young
players at the Pro Touch Soccer Academy.
Joe is an FA Level Two qualified coach and is due to start his FA Level Three
UEFA 'B’ Coaching Certificate in 2010 and is always happy to share his
experiences within the game with anyone needing help or advice.
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Koyar Abul
Academy Coach & Mentor
Having been within touching distance of a promising career as a professional
footballer, Koyar brings a great passion and understanding of the
game to the Pro Touch Soccer Academy.
As a dominant midfielder he was to play at every youth level within
the game, including the Camden and Islington District team and
the London County.
He was spotted by scouts while playing for Tufnell FC in the Camden
and Islington Under-11s Youth League, and was soon attracting the
attentions of a string of major clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
He opted to join West Ham, where during an impressive five-year spell
he got the chance to play alongside some of the best young talents
in the country, including Joe Cole (Chelsea and England), Glen Johnson
(Liverpool and England) Kieron Richardson and Anton Ferdinand (both
Sunderland).
Koyar's list of achievements includes winning the Milk Cup in 1997
with the Hammers' youth team, and making the final 60 players selected
to take part in England schoolboy trials.
Despite his immense talent Koyar was released by West Ham, but continued
his search for a scholarship with trials at Tottenham Hotspur, Watford
and Leicester City.
Like many, his talents continued to get overlooked, and the constant
struggle caused him to fall out of love with the game. Lacking vital
guidance and direction Koyar was allowed to walk away from the sport,
but he soon realised that football was far too important to him to
just give up on it, and he soon reignited his love for the beautiful
game in a coaching capacity.
He now works as a Sports Development Officer for a local authority,
and also coaches the Year 6 Camden District team. Koyar is an FA
Level Two qualified coach and is due to start his FA Level Three
UEFA 'B’ Coaching Certificate this
year
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Ricky Williams
Academy Coach
Ricky began his coaching experience at the tender age of 16 years old. He started his journey coaching youngsters from the age 9-14 year olds, showing and expressing his passion for grass roots football. He successful enjoyed his coaching and managing role with Kings Cross Lithgow (KXL) under-14s, building an excellent reputation by winning various tournaments in and around London such as the Camden Unity Cup. Ricky works full-time as an IT consultant when not instructing his players on the playing field.
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Christian Franco
Academy Coach
As a holding midfielder, Christian was an instrumental figure for
KXL Camden United - helping lead a talented under-17s team to bronze
medals in both the 2002 and 2006 Dana Cup in Denmark.
Having developed an interest in coaching, he is proving just as successful
from the touchlines after deciding that he wanted to give something
back to the game by sharing his experiences with the next generation
of youngsters. Christian holds an FA Level Two Coaching Certificate
and has also gained various youth and sports qualifications. He is
due to start take his FA Level Three UEFA ‘B’ Coaching
Certificate later this year.
Khaleefa Peart
Academy Fitness Coach and Mentor
Khaleefa has grown up playing district football in both London and
Birmingham, and also played semi-professional football for Stratford
Town.
He has played in tournaments involving a host of top players, including Joleon
Lescott (Manchester City and England), Darius Vassel (ex. Manchester City and
England), Zat Knight (Bolton Wanderers), Lloyd Dyer (Leicester City) and brothers
Isiah and Isaac Osbourne (Aston Villa and Coventry).
Khaleefa has also coached in America, enjoying success and gaining
high praise with teams in the Sacramento area of Los Angeles.
Khaleefa is a FA Level Two qualified coach and has various youth and sports merits,
including being a qualified fitness trainer and a certified life coach. He is
due to start on he’s FA Level Three UEFA ‘B’ Coaching Certificate
later this year.
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Michael
Crebbin
Head Physiotherapist
MMichael grew up on the Isle of Wight where he played youth football
and tennis to a county standard.
He moved to London when he was 18 and studied an undergraduate degree in Sports
Therapy, during which time he worked within the professional ranks at Barnet
Football Club.
He went on to study a post-graduate degree in physiotherapy at King’s College
London, graduating in 2005. He currently works in the NHS as a Specialist Musculoskeletal
Physiotherapist in health centre and GP clinic settings.
He is fully qualified in Sports First Aid and is a member of the Football
Association Medical Society, the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine and
the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
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Mujahid Ali
Community Sports Coach
Mujahid joined the PTSA in 2007 and has since become a key figure
in helping to develop the Pro Touch Community programmes.
When he’s not coaching our young hopefuls in the under-13s, Mujahid works
as a full-time travel consultant.
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Sam Murfitt
Community Sports Coach
Sam is one of our youngest coaches, and is already building a glittering
career.
Combining his desire to play with his love of teaching, the talented goalkeeper
continually swaps his No.1 jersey for a tracksuit as he coaches young hopefuls
at a grassroots community level while also playing for our under-18s team.
Sam holds an FA Level Two Coaching Certificate and is due to start his FA Level
Two Goal Keeping Coaching Certificate in 2010.
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Carlos Santos
Community Sports Coach
Originally from Portugal, Carlos moved to England at the age of
13, and proved an instant success playing football at schoolboy level.
He developed into a commanding and skillful central midfielder, earning
a place in a number of top semi-professional sides, including Clapton
FC, London APSA and Ilford.
In 2005 Carlos was offered a contract to play for East Thurrock, and was looking
forward to a bright future within the sport. But sadly his playing career was
cut short by a major injury to his left ankle and he was forced to retire.
In 2008 Carlos joined our community and academy coaching programmes where he
continues to share his experiences within the game. Carlos holds an FA Level
Two Coaching Certificate and will aim to sit the FA Level Three UEFA 'B’ Coaching
Certificate in 2010
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