Foundation Partners with Stridex Academy to Create New Player Pathways in Local Football

The New Croft Foundation is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Stridex Academy, a local football coaching organisation focused on bridging the gap between grassroots and academy football. 

Founded in May 2025 by Andrew Quick and Alex Cook, Stridex Academy currently works with U10 and U11 players, offering high-quality coaching that supports tactical, technical, and physical development. Lead Coach Alex Cook, a UEFA B qualified coach with experience at Ipswich Town FC, Kings Lynn Town FC and The New Croft Foundation, brings a wealth of knowledge to help young players progress in their football journey. 

This partnership opens up new opportunities for players involved in The New Croft Foundation’s community programmes, offering them a clear route into an elite environment where they can take the next step towards academy football. Likewise, players transitioning out of Stridex Academy will benefit from strong pathways into local football through TNCF and its well-established links with Haverhill Rovers FC, including their Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA) teams. 

All Stridex Academy sessions will initially be delivered at The New Croft, with plans to expand into other communities in the near future, allowing more young players to thrive within the game. 

Rhys Shulver Head of Foundation, with Alex Cook Director & Lead Coach of Stridex Academy

Alex Cook, Director and Lead Coach of Stridex Academy, commented: “Andy and I are really excited to launch this partnership with The New Croft Foundation. It is vital that we work closely with a football club with an excellent vision and care for player development. This partnership will help create a clear pathway and development structure to assist entry into the EJA pathway. Stridex Academy is committed to providing a positive learning environment, with high-quality coaching sessions to aid player development.” 

Rhys Shulver, Head of The New Croft Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Stridex Academy to strengthen the football development pathway for young players in our area. This partnership brings tremendous value to our community, not only by providing a bridge to elite football environments but also by ensuring continued engagement in the game through our grassroots and EJA programmes. It’s a collaborative effort that puts the needs and aspirations of young players at the heart of everything we do.” 

To learn more about Stridex Academy and their sessions, please contact Alex Cook at:  alex@stridexacademy.co.uk