About Aspire

The A.S.P.I.R.E (Academic and Sporting Prowess Inspired Routes to Excellence) programme was set up in July 2002 to enable boys between the ages of 12-18 to pursue their dream of becoming a professional footballer whilst also enjoying the benefits of furthering thier education whether that be in a vocational or academic capacity.

It has always been our belief that professional clubs miss out on a lot of home grown talent particularly in the 16-18 age group.

There are two reasons for this. It is between these ages that many young players begin to seek other things, and secondly professional clubs tend not to concentrate much on these ages. The therory being "If you are not at a club by now, then you're really not good enough".

It was taking these factors into account that we decided to investigate the idea of evolving non-league Dulwich Hamlet's youth infrastructure by formulating a programme specifically aimed at 16-18 year old boys. The ASPIRE programme would serve as launch pad for talented individuals who harbour ambitions to have a career in professional football, whilst ensuring that they would also benefit from the stipulation that every participant had to undertake full-time academic or vocational courses in order to be eligible for the programme.

The brainchild of Gavin Rose and Junior Kadi, the programme began in July 2002 and has seen a number of participants gain professional and non-league contracts. Clubs who have signed players from the programme include Tottenham Hotspur, Colchester Utd, Millwall, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, Southend Utd, Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Rushden & Diamonds, Watford, Crystal Palace, Dulwich Hamlet, Welling Utd, Lewes, Leyton Orient, Brentford, Grays Athletic, Luton Town and Fisher Athletic.

However it is not all about "The Beautiful Game". We place total emphasis on the advantages of further education. No player is admitted on to our programme without informing us of their predicted GCSE grades and the courses he has selected to undertake the follwing academic year.

‘'We recognise that all the boys want to be professional footballers, but in sport where an injury can curtail a career, it is very important to have something to fall back on."

In July 2005 ASPIRE transferred it's partnership to Fisher Athletic Football Club.

With a proven track record and visible progression routes for all participants A.S.P.I.R.E is taking care of business both on the field and off.

'They can rebuild you' - an article from the Guardian, Feb 09