Alex Hennessy Launches Coaching Academy for Young Footballers

In a significant development for youth football, 19-year-old Alex Hennessy has founded her own coaching academy to nurture the next generation of players in Essex. Hennessy, who previously played for Arsenal and is a former England youth international, aims to provide guidance and support to young athletes.

Having burst onto the scene at Arsenal in 2021, Hennessy made her Women’s Super League debut at the age of 16. She achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring twice in a match against Tottenham Hotspur at their iconic stadium. Despite a promising start, she faced challenges in her career after being released by Arsenal at the end of that season.

After transitioning through different clubs, including West Ham United and Charlton Athletic, Hennessy understands the unpredictability of a football career. She acknowledges her struggles and hopes to use her experiences to assist young players who may face similar difficulties in navigating their paths.

Through the Alextra Academy, Hennessy aims to contribute to the development of young footballers, emphasizing the importance of mindset and performance. The Academy offers tailored one-on-one coaching sessions and training camps, with the motto “Be Extraordinary” serving as its guiding principle.

Hennessy’s journey in football was supported through funding from SportsAid, a charity that assists talented young athletes. She expresses gratitude for the financial aid she received, which contributed significantly to her early development as a player.

Besides establishing the Academy, Hennessy is also pursuing a new career in the financial sector, believing that these skills will aid in her business venture. She intends to return to playing football part-time, motivated by her passion for the game.

To enhance her coaching skills, Hennessy plans to undertake the UEFA C License and progress up the coaching ladder. The FA‘s ongoing support for coaches further aids her development in this field, as they work to encourage more female coaches in grassroots football.

Recently, Hennessy organized a special event where she took a group of 50 girls aged 8 to 13 to St. George's Park, the national training center. For many of these girls, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to play on the same pitches as their footballing idols, showcasing Hennessy’s commitment to fostering young talent.