Varndean College (through RMF) are looking to retain their title as Sussex champions this year despite Covid-19 and are also recruiting for the following season (2021/22). The football programme which is run by ex-professional footballer & UEFA ‘A’ coach Jay Lovett has seen unprecedented success over the past 4 years. Jay stated;

‘As an ex-Varndean College student myself, I am delighted at how successful the programme has become. There are so many wonderful opportunities open to the students who enrol on this course. They can opt for this alongside their academic and vocational courses and at the same time develop their football. I didn’t sign a professional contract at Plymouth Argyle until I was 20 so it is never too late and even if students aren’t able or do not want to do that they can still play a high level of semi-professional football or obtain scholarship to play at a university in the USA’

‘The course we deliver at Varndean is based upon the helping students to improve their game, which includes tactical analysis, strength & conditioning and match understanding at various levels. Every match we play is recorded on video so we can give back individual analysis’. In addition all players are able to take their Level 1 coaching badge.

When Jay is not working for RMF at Varndean College, he is managing Burgess Hill FC (Isthmian League) whilst his assistant at Varndean, Dale Hurley (UEFA B coach) is assistant manager at Lewes FC. Jay thinks his and Dale’s connections and knowledge of senior football in the local area helps open up opportunities for the Varndean students. Jay says ‘about 75% of our students go on to play senior football and on top of that we have employed 10 students over the past couple of years to coach at the Russell Martin Foundation. Overall it’s been a fantastic success’

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