​George Bournous | Founder & Academy Director 

 

George Bournous oversees the technical and operational side of our academy structure, has implemented an elite working strategy to ensure we offer the best quality around.

George has worked with and developed some of the best young professional footballers in the modern pro game.  George has worked in some of the best environments for youth development in Europe: Chelsea FC, Fulham FC, Brentford FC and QPR and has worked at first team level for AFC Wimbledon. George is extremely passionate when it comes to player development, his vast knowledge and experience has helped shape our recruiting, coaching and playing philosophy. 

Graduating with Honours in Sports Science and Coaching from Brunel University, George boasts both UEFA and FA football coaching licenses, The FA youth award, FA Mentoring adults award, FA Futsal coaching, FA First aid, FA Safeguarding children and NYA Youth Work practitioner. 

George is well known within academy football and strives his best to help all of our players reach their potential.

 

Richard Carpenter | Foundation Director

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Runs the day to day operation of our brand new football foundation structure. Having worked at some of the UK’s leading brands, Richie is working hard to bring the Optimum experience to all young people. Ritchie is responsible for all our partnerships and funding opportunities and is tasked with growing our foundation into one of London’s leading sport providers.

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Kamal Romain | Academy Manager & Club welfare officer 

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Responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of all our players and staff. Kamal has implemented a strict safeguarding and health & safety policy within the club in accordance with the FA and NSPCC policies.

Kamal is also responsible for the day to day running of our academy and oversees our elite and grassroots games programme.

Kamal has worked with some of the best young academy footballers in London, and is responsible for recruiting and coaching one of Middlesex county’s strongest football teams. An experienced PE teacher, Kamal is a specialist at motivating and engaging young people in all environments, he has helped shape our player pathway strategy and has extensive knowledge within semi professional and county football.

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Jack Readings | Head of Strength & Conditioning

 

Darren Smith-Wellington | Head of Nutrition

 

Zara Bouait | Head of Media

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