AlumniAlex Avenell

Alex Avenell joined All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form as part of the U19 Development Programme with CTFC.

As part of the U19 Development Programme with Cheltenham Town FC, students study at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form full-time alongside being coached by UEFA qualified staff and compete in weekly EFL league and Cup fixtures.

Alex finished Sixth Form in 2020 gaining good grades in Sport and Business. He is currently studying Sport and Business Management at the University of Worcester. He recently made his debut as goalkeeper for Gloucester City’s First Team against Gateshead!

How has the football programme supported with your coaching career path?

After I left Cheltenham Town I contacted them about a work experience placement and they had me back for work experience for 6 months. This was a brilliant opportunity for my coaching and university placement. This then led on to a job working in the Academy Development Centre which has been really good.

Any advice for players looking at their next steps post GCSE?

I would 100% recommend to come to All Saints’ Academy and join the CTFC U19 Development Programme. I feel like you will progress as a person and a player if you are interested in sport. They will teach you valuable skills that will help you progress in life and whatever you want to do next.

How did you find being involved with the U18 Scholars and First Team training?

It allowed me to progress because of the exposure to being around professional players every single day and it played a major factor in my development as a player. It also gave me experience of being exposed to different situations and pressures and held me in good stead when I moved on to different clubs.

What are your future plans?

To continue playing for Gloucester City full-time professionally. I also have an interest in teaching so I want to complete my degree in Physical Education with the potential to go on and be a teacher.

Interview conducted March 2022.