Seychelles soccer star Kevin Betsy is England team's new U15 head coach
Seychelles-born soccer star Kevin Betsy has joined the FA as head coach of the England Men’s Under-15s team.
The 38-year-old who has played in top English clubs and, like his father Lewis, represented the Seychelles national team was thrilled.
He said: “Representing England as a national coach at any level is the absolute pinnacle of the profession and I am absolutely delighted to be joining the FA.”
Kevin was previously at Fulham where he has spent seven years working with the club’s academy as their U15s and U16s head coach.
He previously enjoyed a successful 15-year playing career with spells at Fulham, Bristol Rovers, Woking, Wycombe Wanderers, Barnsley and Southend United.
Kevin will be based at the National Football Centre at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, where he will oversee a dedicated programme of international camps and fixtures for the U15s England squad.
He will work closely with national coaches across all the age groups, particularly between U15s and U17s.
He said: “I’m really optimistic about the talented players we’re producing in this country and introducing them to the demands and challenges of international football, but we also want them to understand how special it is to play for England.
"The facilities and learning culture we have created at St George’s Park are world class, and bringing the players in to that fantastic environment can only help their progress and development.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have enjoyed seven fantastic years working within a truly brilliant football academy at Fulham with some outstanding people and I leave with a heavy heart, but this opportunity is something I couldn’t turn down. I can’t wait to get started in what is a wonderful opportunity for me.”
Matt Crocker, the FA’s head of development team coaching, said: “I’m really pleased Kevin is joining The FA. His reputation within youth development is excellent, and he is highly regarded in the industry as one of the best coaches in youth development.
“Kevin’s enthusiastic attitude and committed approach is clear to see and his warm personality working with players and staff will be welcomed, as we strive to achieve success with all of our national development teams.”