Tom Conlon and Nathan Smith have launched a charity to help children from all backgrounds and abilities get the most from the sport.
They will provide free professional coaching and some vital life lessons along the way, helping young people to “overcome their shyness and become better communicators”.
They will also support young players who have been rejected by professional clubs at an early age and feel football has little to offer them.
Nathan is captain of League One side Port Vale FC, while Tom has just signed for Oldham Athletic of the National League.
The pair, who are both 27, feel they have a “responsibility” to pass on lessons learnt to the next generation. Nathan said: “I want to offer all children the same experience that’s helped shape the person I am now, to help them use football to grow in confidence and selfbelief, without the pressure of ‘making it’ as a footballer.”
The pair founded the Pro Level coaching academy in 2021, offering free weekly sessions at Keele University, in Staffordshire.
Now they have charitable status they see the charity as an “antidote” to the academy system, which has been heavily criticised for heaping too much pressure on youngsters, before throwing many of them on the scrapheap.
Although the pair work with players released by academies, trying to rebuild their confidence and love of the game, they stress that ability is not a criteria for attending their training sessions.
Tom said: “Nathan and I set up Pro Level because we believe it’s our responsibility to give every child the sort of coaching we receive every day. It shouldn’t just be for those who aspire to be the stars of the future – all children can benefit from the tactical, fitness and mindset work we do.
“Childhood has become increasingly challenging. We are looking to provide a place for all children to feel proud of who they are.”
Nathan added: “We see children that we are coaching overcome their shyness and lack of confidence.
“You can see them growing as young people, developing relationships, becoming better communicators and socialising with others.”
The pair are launching the charity at a fundraising ball at the Hilton Hotel, Festival Park, Stoke, in March.
Trustee Emily Cherry said: “I’ve seen the boys coach and the difference it makes to the children.
“The kids benefit massively, and not just in terms of soccer skills.”
Visit: prolevelacademy.com
