Arrangements have been concluded for the kick-off of the 2nd FCV Gladiator Camp taking place at Grange School Lagos from April 1 to 5.
Also, the three top UK school football coaches expected to tutor the participants have also been confirmed to be in attendance at the event.
Former Leicester City defender Grant Brown as well as Ex-Ipswich Town’s star Ashley Foulger and Australia-born Liam Merrick are the technical crew of FCV International Academy expected to be in charge of proceedings at the one-week camp with former Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju acting as mentor for the participants.
Grant’s playing career boasts a remarkable 18-year stint as a defender, accumulating nearly 600 appearances. His journey started at Leicester City, followed by 13-years at Lincoln City, notably, becoming Lincoln City’s highest appearance holder, amassing an impressive 407 league outings. Grant possesses a UEFA A License and he joined FCV International Football Academy in 2016 and has since assumed the role of Head of Football.
Foulger transitioned from a playing career which saw him represent Ipswich Town, Northampton Town, Peterborough United, and MK Dons; he redirected his passion into coaching, amassing over a decade of invaluable experience.
Currently working towards his UEFA B Licence, Ash’s coaching journey has taken him across the globe, shaping talents in Finland, Hong Kong, Albania. He served as the FCV’s steadfast goalkeeping coach and he is a vital part of the Football Department.
Merrick joined FCV back in 2018, transitioning from his homeland of Australia to pursue his passion for football in England. His debut season saw him play a pivotal role in FCV’s triumph in the National Alliance League, a feat accompanied by the prestigious title of Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season.
Following a successful tenure as a player, Merrick bid farewell to FCV in 2021, embarking on a new chapter in his football journey by transitioning to semi-professional football in England, where he represented Coventry United. Merrick re-joined FCV in 2022, this time as a coach. Currently, he is the lead coach for Cat 4 squad, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge.
