10 February 2011
From Lewisham College to Leeds United
Former Lewisham College Football
Academy student turned professional footballer Max Gradel returned
to his roots this week, visiting the College's Deptford campus
where he used to study.
Current Lewisham College Football Academy students had the
chance to grill Leeds United star Max on life as a pro footballer,
and hear first hand advice on how to make it to the top.
Max began playing football when he was two years old in the
Ivory Coast, before coming to London via Paris. After leaving
Lewisham College, Max was offered trials with Arsenal, Chelsea,
West Ham and Leicester and spent four months with Arsenal before
signing with Leicester. From there he moved to Leeds United where
he now plays regularly for the Championship side.
"Everything started at Lewisham College," says Max. "We were all
good players in the Football Academy; I think I made it a bit by
chance."
Max gave special insight into the life of a pro footballer,
telling students about training routines, diets and playing against
household names including Cesc Fabregas. He also advised the young
players to focus on football, rather than fame and success. "You've
got to do it for yourself," says Max. "If you truly want to do it
for yourself then you've got a chance."
Sports tutor Django Lagnado who used to teach Max said: "Max was
the kind of player who could get the ball, take a good touch, turn
and often score a goal."
"What stood out about him was that he just got on with things:
he could look, listen and get it right. And of course he was in the
right place at the right time."
Current Lewisham College Football Academy first team player Omar
Folkes added: "Meeting Max shows us that everyone has a chance - he
came here and he made it. In a year and a half, I'll be the one
coming back to College and giving a talk!"
Think you've got what it takes to be the next Max Gradel? Why
not come along to one of our Football Academy's trial
dates?
• Friday 25
Feb
• Friday 29 Apr
• Friday 3 June
• Thursday 7 July
• Friday 8 July
• Thursday 4 Aug
• Friday 5 Aug
• Thursday 25 Aug
• Friday 26 Aug
• Friday 2 Sep
For more information contact dan.thomas@lewisham.ac.uk
or sharon.archibald@lewisham.ac.uk