THE LATE BIRTHDAY PROJECT COMBATS THE SIGNIFICANT RELATIVE AGE EFFECT IN YOUTH FOOTBALL, BY OFFERING AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME OF PROFESSIONAL ACADEMY COACHING AND OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG FOOTBALLERS BORN BETWEEN JANUARY AND AUGUST ONLY*.
This allows these players to flourish without the influence of older, bigger boys who might usually dominate their year groups – while better preparing them for playing with and against their older peers outside the academy.
Individual player development is our main focus, and our approach, inspired partly by the famed AFC Ajax academy, will be underpinned by the principles of adaptability, purposeful-practice, self-belief and a desire to learn.
From its launch in the Summer of 2016, LBP has quickly grown to 10 centres across Surrey and Sussex, including venues in Dorking, Walton-on-Thames, Godalming, Crawley and Haywards Heath.
LBP players benefit from Invitation-only squads, UEFA Coaches & Premium 3G Facilities, plus a bespoke LBP Curriculum & Philosophy.
Our sessions are intense but fun, and players are encouraged to support each other, express themselves and be brave on the ball.
LBP provides a positive, respectful and creative environment for our coaches to work in. And we are fully committed to their continuing professional development. We employ a dedicated LBP Coach Education Manager who delivers a LBP-specific programme of CPD events, Mentoring and Coaching resources. And we make financial contributions to their ongoing learning.