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Newark youth set up DP Football Academy has placed 87 players in professional contracts with major premiership clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester City and Leeds United as they continue to kick goals




THE DP Football Academy has come a long way since its inception in 2017 when just six players were involved.

Owner Danny Purves, from whose initials the academy takes its name, said he never imagined the heights the school has since reached.

From the early beginnings of six years ago, the school now has nearly 200 players registered on its books and training sessions regularly see several pitches of the Newark YMCA being used by its members.

Danny Purves coaching his academy.
Danny Purves coaching his academy.

Interest in the pool of football talent that the school possesses has also increased and the academy has built a solid reputation among professional clubs.

This year alone, Danny said he has taken his academy to Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Leicester City and Leeds United.

The coaches teach a style of football that is based on the traits of Manchester City, which is possible due to Danny’s links to the club through his part-time coaching role at the Premier League champions.

The Academy has had a huge amount of success getting its students professional contracts.
The Academy has had a huge amount of success getting its students professional contracts.

The success of the programme has resulted in regular visits to some of the best academies in the country.

“The academy continues to provide new opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else in the local area,” said Danny.

These opportunities provide the young aspiring footballers with valuable insight into the high standards set at professional clubs.

Each week, players have three hours of training with Danny and his coaching team.

The programme has a large number of girls in its ranks.
The programme has a large number of girls in its ranks.

Drills consist of multiple match-like scenarios to improve decision making, movement and on the ball technique while implementing a forward thinking mentality, said Danny.

Danny believes that the style taught at the academy gives each player the best chance to move on and sign a professional contract.

The proof is in the pudding as so far the academy has seen 87 of its players sign professional contracts with clubs as varied as Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.

Alongside Danny is head coach Gregg Smith, who currently plays for Basford United in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

Craig Roche, who worked alongside Danny as part of the coaching team at Newark Flowserve in 2017, came aboard the academy in 2022.

The academy progresses the skills of the children in a fun environment.
The academy progresses the skills of the children in a fun environment.

The academy is currently preparing for another trip to Spain to participate in The Barcelona Experience tournament against teams from across Europe and they are keen to replicate their success.

Last year’s trip saw their Under 8s, 10s and 13s win their tournaments while the Under 11s narrowly missed out on penalties.

The trip also allows parents and players to take a tour around Barcelona’s stadium, Camp Nou.

The academy is also experiencing a number of girls getting involved in football and they now have quite a few registered.

Over the last year, multiple girls from the academy have signed with clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester City, Leeds United and Lincoln City.

A waiting list currently exists due to the amount of players wanting to join DP Academy but those that are interested are encouraged to reach out to the club on social media.



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