🌟 From the Touchline: Lillie’s next step with Bows Soccer Academy

NexxtGen Football
6 days ago
4 min read

At NexxtGen Football, we believe in celebrating the journeys of young players who are thriving both on and off the pitch. Today, we’re immensely proud to shine the spotlight on Lillie, my daughter, who has recently been offered the exciting opportunity to progress into the next stage of her development with Bows Soccer Academy.

This is not just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the excellent work being done across grassroots football to nurture talent, build confidence, and instil values that go far beyond the game.

🏫 What is Bows Soccer Academy?

Founded by Ben Bowditch, Bows Soccer Academy has established itself as one of the most respected youth football environments in Hertfordshire and Essex. With sessions tailored for boys and girls aged 4 to 16, the academy provides a professional, fun, safe and educational setting for children to learn and develop both their footballing and social skills.

What makes Bows different is their commitment to developing the whole child—not just the player. Whether a child is picking up a football for the first time or preparing for academy trials, the coaching team ensures that every session is inclusive, high quality, and inspired by real footballing principles.

All sessions are delivered by experienced FA and UEFA Licensed coaches, focused on:

⚽ Building confidence
🧠 Enhancing tactical understanding
🔧 Improving technical skills
💬 Encouraging communication and teamwork

This holistic approach allows children to grow not only as footballers but as young individuals, learning lessons that will serve them both on and off the pitch.

🧠 Meet the founder: Ben Bowditch

Ben Bowditch’s personal story gives real authenticity to the academy’s mission. A former professional footballer, Ben is a Tottenham Hotspur youth product who went on to represent:

Colchester United
Barnet FC
Cambridge City
Akademisk Boldklub (Denmark)
Stowmarket Town, where he scored on debut in the FA Vase

He also proudly wore the England shirt at U16, U17, U19 and U20 levels, competing alongside some of the country’s most promising talents at the time.

Unfortunately, a succession of injuries curtailed Ben’s professional career. But as many will tell you, true character is revealed in how you respond to adversity. Instead of walking away from the game, Ben chose to give back—establishing Bows Soccer Academy to pass on his knowledge, experience, and passion to the next generation.

His journey gives real depth to his coaching philosophy: resilience, opportunity, and development.

🌱 Lillie’s progression: A proud moment

Over the past year, Lillie has shown remarkable growth—technically, tactically and socially—through her sessions at Bows. As a parent and coach, it has been a joy to watch her blossom in such a positive environment.

Recently, I received a letter from the Academy Director, which read:

“We have been delighted to witness Lillie’s growth and development, and we believe she is now ready to thrive in a more advanced environment...”

As a result, Lillie has been invited to transition into the Under-9s group, a significant step forward in her football journey. From next half term, she’ll be attending a new weekly session tailored for higher-level development.

🗓️ New Training Schedule

Day: Monday
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Goffs Academy, Goffs Oak
Group: Mixed players from next season’s U9s and U10s

This new group offers an exciting blend of ability, experience, and challenge—designed to stretch and support young players as they prepare for the demands of competitive football.

💬 A message of thanks

As a father, I’m incredibly proud of Lillie. But as a coach, I am equally grateful to Ben and the entire team at Bows Soccer Academy. Their professionalism, encouragement and ability to recognise individual potential are exactly what grassroots football needs more of.

Opportunities like this don’t just happen by chance—they are the product of consistent coaching, tailored guidance, and a culture that values development over results. If your child is looking for a place to learn, grow, and fall in love with football, I can confidently recommend Bows Soccer Academy.

⚽ Join the journey

If you’re based in Hertfordshire or Essex and want your son or daughter to experience a first-class football education, Bows Soccer Academy is worth exploring. Whether your child is just beginning their footballing journey or is looking for the next challenge, this academy offers something truly special.

For more information, or to enquire about a free taster session, visit Bows Soccer Academy or reach out to their coaching staff directly.

📌 Final thoughts

Grassroots football is about so much more than producing professional players. It’s about confidence, community, and character. Watching Lillie take this next step with the support of such a dedicated academy is a moment I’ll always treasure.

At NexxtGen Football, we’ll continue to share stories like these to highlight what’s possible when young players are given the right environment to thrive.

Well done, Lillie—you’ve made us all proud. And thank you, Bows Soccer Academy, for continuing to raise the bar in youth football.

🌍 Supporting Development, One Player at a Time

Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s interconnected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. With a passion for holistic development and a deep understanding of the youth pathway, Steve supports individuals and teams in reaching their full potential — both on and off the pitch.