Inside the Trinity Elite Football Programme: Ricky Wellard’s First 10 Weeks as Head of Football
In the competitive world of youth football development, few environments balance elite training, individual attention, and holistic development as well as Trinity School’s Elite Football Programme. Situated in the heart of Teignmouth, Devon, this programme combines high-level football coaching with academic excellence, creating a truly unique experience for students.
At the heart of this thriving football academy is Ricky Wellard, the new Head of Football at Trinity. With over 20 years of experience in the game, including a decade as a professional footballer and time spent coaching in professional academies like AFC Bournemouth, Ricky has brought fresh energy, vision, and focus to the programme.
As Ricky reflects on his first 10 weeks at Trinity School, one thing is clear — this is just the beginning of something special. We caught up with him to find out more about how things are progressing, the exciting developments in the programme, and his goals for the future.
A Warm Welcome to Trinity School
“Time in Teignmouth and in Trinity moves fast! I can't believe it has almost been a whole term already. It feels like I have been at Trinity School much longer than only 10 weeks. All the staff, students and parents/carers have made me feel very welcome and I am very grateful for the warm reception.”
Trinity School has long had a reputation for nurturing talent both on and off the pitch. The warm, tight-knit community has been a major reason why the transition has been smooth for Ricky. Trinity isn’t a massive football academy with hundreds of players. Instead, it prides itself on being small, focused, and relationship-driven.
“Trinity School and our Elite Football Programme is small in numbers, which has its strengths. It affords us the opportunity to create better relationships, be more specific and purposeful with our work, which is ultimately to develop and improve each player within our programme.”
This philosophy is part of what makes Trinity one of the best football boarding schools in the UK, offering a unique blend of individual attention, tailored development, and access to professional pathways.
Living on Campus: A 360° View of the Student-Athlete
“Living on site at the school during the week helps see students in different light and build relationships with school/boarding staff. There have been those brief hallway chats or conversations over the dinner table which have been valuable in connecting and building relationships – ‘Understand the person to develop the player.’”
Ricky’s presence on-site throughout the week allows him to see his players beyond the training pitch. This gives him rare insight into their personalities, routines, and values — all of which inform how he coaches and mentors them. In the best UK and Spain independent schools with football programmes, this holistic approach is what differentiates good from great.
Football is not just about what happens during a 90-minute match; it’s about resilience, discipline, character, and emotional intelligence — all of which are shaped by daily habits and interactions off the pitch.
Competitive Fixtures Against Top-Level Opposition
A key part of Trinity’s Elite Football Programme is exposure to top-level opposition. Over the past 10 weeks, students have had the chance to test themselves against professional academy teams, gaining valuable experience and showcasing their talent.
“During the last 10 weeks, we have played several Academy fixtures, playing the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Exeter U15 & U16, Swansea City FC, which has provided the players opportunities and gain experience. Also, other students have been selected for Academia & Football fixtures vs Man City Select & Fulham FC. Going to the Etihad Campus (which is like a small town) up in Manchester was a great occasion, to see what facilities and environment are like in one of the biggest clubs in European football.”
Opportunities like these — playing against clubs from the English Football League and Premier League — are what make Trinity one of the most sought-after football academies in the UK. The experiences not only sharpen players’ skills but also broaden their understanding of what it takes to play at the highest level.
A Focus on Individual Development
One of the most distinctive aspects of Ricky’s approach at Trinity is his emphasis on tailored development. Every player is on their own journey, and the focus is not just on team performance, but personal growth.
“Over the last 10 weeks there has been a focus on each player's Individual Development Plan (IDP) and how we can work more intentionally both on and off the grass. A part of that process has been students reflecting on their own progression & development to assess where improvements have been made and what is next.”
While some players may dream of Premier League glory, others are working toward national team representation, scholarships abroad, or simply becoming the best version of themselves. The IDP structure allows Ricky and his team to align football training, academic support, and character development into a coherent strategy for each student.
“It's not always easy to get players to buy into time away from the grass to be in a classroom reflecting but it’s been a great way to see each player in a different setting.”
This blend of theory and practice, performance and reflection, is what defines elite football environments — whether in the best football boarding schools in Spain and the UK or at professional academies.
U13 Girls Making History in the ESFA Cup
It’s not just the boys making headlines at Trinity. The U13 girls have had a standout season, making it to Round 5 of the prestigious English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) competition.
“Our U13 Girls have made it through Round 5 of the ESFA competition, where we will play Colyton Grammar School, recently winning fixtures vs Okehampton College in Round 3 (2-0) and Saltash.net in Round 4.”
The success of the girls’ team is a testament to the inclusive and progressive nature of the Trinity Elite Football Programme. Girls are given the same access to high-quality coaching, development plans, and competitive fixtures — making Trinity one of the best co-educational football academies in the UK.
“It has been really rewarding to see how much our girls have been improving and we wish them luck in the later stages of the tournament!”
Celebrating Success: Awards and International Call-Ups
At Trinity, success comes in many forms. Whether it’s international recognition, academy trials, or long-term development — every win is celebrated.
“Next week, we will be hosting an EFP assembly & awards for all our age groups to highlight individual successes and achievements.”
Here are just some of the recent achievements from Trinity players:
Max McDonald (Yr13) received an ISFA Cap representing English Schools vs Wales.
Roger Williams (Yr12) represented Bermuda U17s at the CONCACAF tournament against Canada, Curacao, Turks & Caicos, and Anguilla.
Grace Darby (Yr8) signed with the Bristol City Academy after a successful trial.
Jayden Kirungi and Elliot Starr (Yr8) are currently on trial at Plymouth FC Academy.
Kodie Humphries (Yr8) has been selected for the Future England Lionesses Talent Centre.
These achievements show that Trinity is not just developing players — it’s launching careers. For families searching for elite football boarding schools with pathways to professional football, this track record is hugely compelling.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Trinity Football
“We are looking to the future with some exciting plans and a lot more work to be made on and off the grass. Watch this space...”
With Ricky at the helm, Trinity’s Elite Football Programme is already showing strong signs of growth. Whether it’s through developing Individual Development Plans, building relationships within the school community, or competing against top academies, the vision is clear: holistic development for every player.
Trinity is rapidly becoming one of the top UK independent schools with a football programme, and a serious contender for students considering football academies in Spain and the UK.
Why Trinity Elite Football Programme?
If you're a parent or student looking at options for elite football development that doesn’t compromise on education, Trinity School in Teignmouth offers a unique proposition:
A dedicated Head of Football with professional experience
Opportunities to play against EFL and Premier League academies
Personalised Individual Development Plans
A strong focus on academic achievement and pastoral care
Track record of academy signings, international call-ups, and national representation
A welcoming, tight-knit school community
On-site boarding and a holistic approach to player development
Whether you're exploring options in the UK or considering the best football boarding schools in Spain, Trinity provides the complete package.
Final Thoughts from Ricky
As Ricky reflects on his first term at Trinity, his passion for the programme and belief in its potential are unmistakable:
“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved already — and we’re only just getting started. There’s so much more to come from this group of students, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow.”
Interested in Joining the Trinity Elite Football Programme?
Trinity is currently accepting applications for the 2025 intake. If you're passionate about football and education, and looking for one of the best football schools in the UK, visit our website or contact us to book a tour and trial session.
Transform your football. Shape your future. Join Trinity.
Why Trinity Offers One of the Best Elite Football Programmes in UK and Spain Independent Schools
When it comes to choosing a football programme that truly develops young players while ensuring academic excellence, Trinity School stands out as one of the best options in the UK — and a serious contender across Europe. Combining elite football training, academic achievement, and personal development, the Trinity Elite Football Programme offers a holistic experience for aspiring student-athletes.
Whether you're looking for the best football boarding schools in the UK, or exploring independent schools in Spain and the UK with elite football programmes, Trinity consistently delivers on all fronts.
What Makes the Trinity Elite Football Programme Stand Out?
1. A True Balance of Football and Education
Trinity’s programme is built on the foundation that young athletes should not have to choose between football and their education. Students receive high-quality academic teaching during the school day, followed by focused training sessions delivered by UEFA-qualified coaches. This balance ensures that players are equipped for life both on and off the pitch — whether they go pro or pursue other pathways.
For families looking at independent schools with football academies, Trinity offers a model that puts the student-athlete at the centre, without compromising academic standards.
2. Professional-Level Coaching and Environment
The football provision at Trinity is led by experienced coaches with backgrounds in professional academies. Training sessions are designed to reflect the intensity, structure, and demands of the professional game. The curriculum is built around key technical, tactical, physical, and psychological components of football development.
This approach mirrors the best practices seen in top football academies in the UK and Spain, providing students with a competitive edge as they grow through the programme.
3. Exposure to Elite Fixtures and Academy Opposition
One of the unique features of the Trinity Elite Football Programme is its access to competitive fixtures against professional academies and other high-performance schools. Recent opponents have included teams from clubs in the English Football League and Premier League. These matches allow players to test themselves against top-level talent and gain real-time experience in challenging environments.
For those researching football schools in the UK with direct academy links, this exposure is a significant benefit.
4. Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
Every player in the Trinity programme receives a tailored Individual Development Plan. These plans are created to assess, monitor, and guide personal progress both on the pitch and in personal development. Students are encouraged to reflect, set goals, and take ownership of their growth — a structure used widely in elite academies across Europe.
The result? A more intentional, purposeful training experience that supports each student’s unique journey.
5. Pathways to Professional Clubs and National Teams
Trinity’s commitment to player development has already seen students progress to professional academies, receive international call-ups, and represent national teams. From trials at EFL clubs to selection for Future England programmes, students are consistently gaining recognition and seizing opportunities at the highest levels of the game.
For families searching for football boarding schools in the UK and Spain with proven pathways, Trinity provides not just potential — but results.
6. Boarding and Pastoral Care
What sets Trinity apart from larger football academies is the personal, supportive environment. With on-site boarding and small student numbers, relationships flourish between staff and students. The pastoral care and wraparound support create a family-like atmosphere that allows players to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
This is a crucial differentiator for those exploring UK and Spain independent schools with football programmes that focus on the whole child, not just their football ability.
7. Girls' Football Pathway
Trinity is fully committed to developing girls’ football and offers a parallel pathway for female players. With success in national competitions and access to the same high-performance training as the boys, the programme is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the best co-educational football academies in the UK.
Girls in the programme benefit from regular fixtures, individual coaching plans, and access to trials at professional women’s clubs and academies — including links to talent centres and WSL academies.
A Destination for Aspiring Student-Athletes
Whether your goal is a professional football career, an academic scholarship, or to develop character and leadership through sport, the Trinity Elite Football Programme prepares students for every opportunity.
With a clear focus on personal development, academic support, and professional-level coaching, Trinity is proud to be considered among the top football boarding schools in the UK and Spain. The programme is ideal for those who are passionate about football and want to pursue it within a supportive, structured, and elite school environment.
Join the Trinity Elite Football Programme
Now accepting applications for the 2025 intake, Trinity invites students from across the UK, Europe, and internationally to join its growing football programme. Open to boys and girls from Year 7 to Sixth Form, this is your opportunity to develop as a player, succeed in your education, and be part of one of the best football-focused schools in the UK.
Discover your potential. Excel in the classroom. Thrive on the pitch.
To register interest or book a trial day, visit our website or contact our admissions team.