In an exclusive report, Kick360 can confirm that English Premier League champions Manchester City and Parade College have appointed former premiership player and UEFA Pro Licence coach, Mick Bennett as the College’s first full time coach.
Bennett, who played in England’s top tier with Bolton Wanderers has been coaching for more than 20 years at a professional level including Bolton Wanderers as an Academy coach during their time in the English Premier League.
This appointment comes as a significant announcement for the college who recently announced their launch of the first Manchester City Football School in Australia. The program aims to give students experience with one of the most recognisable clubs in the planet and is ably supported by professional coaches alike.
Bennett will be an asset to the program with his experience and expertise. On top of coaching, Bennett will also oversee the Manchester City Football School, teach across the college and support fellow coaches to develop young talents.
Parade College Principal Andy Kuppe says Bennett will commence this week and continue the work commenced by interim coach Jonno Sant who launched the program at the start of the year.
“Utilising the coaching philosophy and methodology of Manchester City, the Manchester City Football School commenced in February this year and is providing provide authentic and creative football coaching programs for fifty Year 7 Parade students,” said Kuppe.
“Parade College has already experienced the ‘Manchester City Effect’ with its most successful season in Football this year with most teams qualifying for semi finals in the elite Associated Catholic Colleges competition.”
The Football School, which is based within Parade College’s Bundoora and Preston Campuses in Melbourne, utilises the first-class facilities of Parade, which includes a FIFA accredited Greenfields MX Elite 50 woven system pitch and state of the art indoor training and conditioning facilities for students.
These facilities are designed to support the development of young footballers who dream of one day plying their trade at a professional football club. By supporting these youngsters on their journey, Parade College and the Manchester City Football School are attempting to play a role in Australia’s youth development system which remains much-maligned.
Bennett is delighted to take on such an important role within the academy and is passionate about promoting skills that can holistically develop the character of those in the academy.
“Our approach and methodology is to strive for football, and educational excellence. The Manchester City model is unique and the best of its kind anywhere in the world. We don’t just focus on the football but also developing life skills,” he said.
“The program has already had a positive impact and I am looking forward to continuing to help build strong foundations between Parade College and Manchester City Football Club in the coming months and beyond.”
