Case Studies

Player Journeys – The Volenti Way

Success at Volenti Academy isn’t defined by just one outcome. For some, it’s signing a professional contract; for others, it’s earning a scholarship, representing their country, or simply reaching their personal best.

Our players’ journeys take many paths, and each one tells its own story of commitment, progress, and growth both on and off the pitch.

See below to explore some of the inspiring stories from players who have come through our programmes and see where their hard work has taken them.

Kwame Poku

Professional Player at Queens Park Rangers

Kwame Poku joined our Football & Education programme at 16, studying for a BTEC in Sport while representing our A squad in the National Football Youth League (NFYL). In his second year, after trials with several professional clubs, he signed professionally with Colchester United and broke into their first team. He later transferred to Peterborough United, becoming a rising star in English football.

After back-to-back EFL League One Player of the Month awards in September and October 2024, he earned a place in the League One Team of the Season for 2024/25 . This summer, Kwame completed a move to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, taking the next exciting step in his career

Sheldon Kendall

Professional Player at Millwall FC

Sheldon Kendall developed through Volenti Academy’s Croydon Academy, where his attacking quality and work ethic consistently stood out. He progressed to the Millwall Academy at U14 and continued to rise through the ranks.

In 2024/25 Season, Sheldon made his first-team debut for Millwall and was awarded a professional contract, underlining his journey from our academy into the professional game.

Favour Onukwuli

Professional Player at Sheffield Wednesday

Favour Onukwuli joined our Football & Education programme at London Nautical School as an Under-17, where his ability quickly caught attention. During a for our U18s in Sheffield, Favour impressed and was selected for an extended trial at Sheffield Wednesday, alongside two other players. Following the trial, he was offered a professional contract with the club.

Favour is regarded as one of the best one-on-one dribblers to have come through Volenti Academy, known for his creativity and direct style of play.

Charlie Walker-Smith

Professional Player Crystal Palace

Charlie Walker-Smith joined Volenti Academy at Under-11, training in our Monday Night Academy. His talent stood out alongside a number of talented players in his age group, he was invited in for an extended trial with Chelsea before signing for Crystal Palace at Under-14. Charlie has since progressed through the Palace academy system, representing Wales at youth level along the way. In 2024, he signed his first professional contract with Crystal Palace FC, continuing his development in one of the Premier League’s top academies.

Jamila

Crystal Palace Women / England Lionesses Pathway

Jamila trains at our Croydon Academy, consistently pushing herself in sessions alongside our top boys’ group. A technically gifted and highly driven player, she brings intensity and quality to every session, always looking to improve herself and those around her.

Currently playing for Crystal Palace Women, Jamila has also been recognised at national level, receiving invites onto the England Lionesses pathway.

Horalino Pereira

A first-class honors degree
in Biomedical Science

Horalino Pereira, a talented left-back, joined our academy while pursuing A-levels in Physical Education, Biology, and Business Studies. His dedication to improving his fitness and overall game led to his progression through our teams, culminating in significant contributions to the A squad’s victory in securing back to back the NFYL Southern Premier titles. After graduating from LNS, Horalino embarked on a three year degree at the University of Roehampton, achieving a first-class honours degree in Biomedical Science.

Dylan Baker

Student Athlete at Carleton
College USA

Dylan enrolled in our programme to study three A-levels alongside his football training. His unwavering commitment to both academics and athletics earned him a football scholarship to study Business and Entrepreneurship at Carleton College in the USA, where he also plays for the college team. Dylan is thriving in this environment, balancing his studies with his passion for football, and embracing the unique lifestyle that comes with studying abroad.

Seth Dakin

Sports Choreographer and Producer

Seth Dakin came through one of Volenti Academy’s first Football & Education cohorts, progressing from student-athlete to a full-time coach on our London Nautical School programme. His passion for sport and creativity opened new doors beyond the pitch.

After his apprenticeship and coaching career with us, Seth was headhunted by leading sports advertising agency Sports on Screen, where he now choreographs and manages global campaigns for brands like adidas and Nike. Seth has worked alongside some of the biggest names in world football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, proving that success can be found both on and off the pitch.