Nathan Webb - Breaking Through
Next up is First team player Nathan Webb, who is in his final year as part of FEDO. Nathan also plays for the England Colleges team and will be going on tour to Italy in May to play in an International tournament.
Hello Nathan, how would you describe your season with the first team so far?
This season has been ok so far. I didn’t play many games at the start and then got sent off twice when I was playing regularly, which didn't help. I had a little run in the team recently so I'm just looking to build on that.
You played in the FEDO team for three years, what would be your highlight?
Probably playing for England Colleges. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to it again this year.
Congratulations on being selected for the England two years in a row, you must be looking forward to playing in Italy in May?
Yes I’m really looking forward to it. I went on tour to Italy twice with Charlie Wassmer last year and really enjoyed it. It was great to play against international teams from around the world. This year I’m looking forward to going with Mark Goodman and yourself!
What courses have you done at college the last three years?
In my first two years at East Berkshire College I studied a BTEC National Diploma in Sport Science. This year I’m on an NVQ Level 3 in Sports Coaching which is equivalent to the UEFA B Licence in football coaching.
How would you say FEDO has helped you develop as a player?
FEDO has helped me a lot. Being able to train regularly and play in some competitive matches throughout the season improved me as a player. Not only that but being on the Sport Science course I was able to understand the other side of being a sportsperson, such as nutrition and how the body works.
And finally, what was the first and last game you played in for FEDO?
Well the first game I played was a cup match against Ashford Town for the Under 18s when I was 15, playing at left back! My last game was captaining the Under 18s in the Middlesex Cup Final at Church Road. We won on penalties and it was a great night!
George Isaac - Loving The Game
Hello George, you have been in fine form in front of goal recently, what's been the key to your success
I feel that my love for the game has helped me progress into the player I am. As a player you'll always have your ups and downs in football but it’s how you react to the downs. My family and friends have also helped through the support they give and the belief they have in me.
What has been your highlight of your two years you have spent with FEDO?
I've enjoyed playing with some quality players who have progressed into the first team and watching them on and off the field has taught me a lot. However; I still see my best times at FEDO are when I'm scoring goals, there's no better feeling!
And you’re least memorable moment?
It would definitely have to be getting sent off against Ashford Town last year! I had come into the game pretty confident having already scored 5 goals in the 3 previous encounters but within 15 minutes I was given a red card. I knew I had let the team down and I paid the price by serving a long ban that dragged on into the start of this season!
What’s the best match you have played in?
This is a hard one. Staines Town away a few weeks ago was probably the best and most entertaining match from a neutral perspective. We had gone 2-0 down early on but I pulled one back before half-time. After some encouraging words from the manager, a goal from Bobby Cumber and two from me, to complete my hat-trick, put us 4-3 ahead! But in the last 5 minutes were conceded two which made it 5-4, it was a devastating blow but we've learnt from it.
Who is your favourite player?
No doubt about it, Ronaldinho! I've never seen a player so blessed with his ability. Everything about him is phenomenal, you always see him playing football with a smile on his face. He's one of the players you know loves the game and isn’t just in it for the money. I've watched many clips of him not only in games but also training and he just looks like such a great character to have in a team.
What are you planning to do next year?
Joel Jacobs - Knocking On The First Team Door
Hello Joel, firstly, congratulations on making your debut for the first team, how did you feel it went?
Thank you. I felt I did well and was pleased with how it went, considering I had played 120 minutes for the under 18’s the night before. A little bit yes because even tho throughout the trials i had been playing reasonably well and quite consistantly, i don't feel i did enough to stand out from the rest
You were privileged to play for Chelsea’s youth team when you were growing up, tell us a bit about where you’ve played before joining the FEDO scheme?
As a youngster I was lucky enough to play in Chelsea’s youth set-up and learnt a lot there which helps me to this day. I then went on to play for the Wycombe Wanderers youth set-up. I am currently playing for FEDO and am now pushing on and enjoying training with the first team and am just happy to be a part of it. Hopefully I can be the player from my year to go on and play for the first team but I’m taking one step at a time.
What course are you currently doing on the FEDO scheme?
I am currently studying an NVQ Level 3 in sports coaching which has followed on from last year where I passed my level 2.
What has been your highlight of your two years you have spent with FEDO?
I would have to say playing against some of the pro academy’s pre-season. Two games that stand out to me are the friendly’s against Reading and Blackpool. We were 2-0 down at half time against Reading and managed to get a 2-2 draw. When we went up to Blackpool we were also 2-0 down and managed to beat them 5-2 which was a fantastic comeback!
And you’re least memorable moment?
This season on a whole we have been quite inconsistent and cannot string a couple of wins together. Also, it was disappointing getting knocked out of the Middlesex Youth Cup in the Semi-Final. Like most players I hate losing and hopefully we beat Woking and end the season strongly.
Who is your favourite player?
I would have to say Ashley Cole, he’s a great player.
And finally, just to cause a bit of controversy in the changing room, who is your favourite first team player?
Haha! I’m going to sit on the fence as I haven’t seen enough of them all in training! There are a lot of good players and I can learn a lot of all of them.
Mark Goodman - England Expects
Hello Mark, firstly, congratulations on being selected for the English college squad, did the news come as a bit of a surprise to you?
Thank you. It was a bit because even though I performed reasonably well and was quite consistent, however, I didn’t think I stood out from the rest. I was initially told that I hadn’t made it through to the weekend away at Lilleshall, which was the last trial. However, I got a phone call a couple of days after, telling me they wanted me to go, so I felt that I had no pressure on me to be outstanding, and I think that helped.
You are one of the more senior players on the FEDO scheme, what have you been doing in the last three years?
It’s been up and down for the past three years. My first two years at college I completed the BTEC National Diploma in Sport Science, and finished with a final grade of 3 Merits, which I was disappointed with as I was expecting to do better. I am currently studying an NVQ Level 3 in Personal Training which I am also really interested in.
How has the football side been?
Well my first year was very much about adapting to Under 18s football as I was not physically ready but had the technical ability to be a squad player and come on off the bench to affect games. In my second year I grew in confidence and became a better player, due to the work I had put in during my first year. This year has been completely different as I have been playing less matches, and have been working very hard to try and improve the physical side of my game, which will be needed to make the step up from youth to adult football. I feel I am almost there and am looking forward to the near future!
As previously mentioned, being in your 3rd year you must have some good memories, what has been your best experience?
I have had lots of good memories and things that I have missed especially as I am now a third year. As a third year, I realised how good the Under 18’s have it. For example, our kit would be laid out before the match, and some of the pitches we played on were the best I have ever played on. I loved playing at both The Warren and Church Road and don't have that pleasure anymore playing for the college. Also, the fact that we always had support at the games and we were privileged to playing all our home games at Church Road in our second year was great. I can only dream of playing in front of thousands instead of the occasionally 3 figure capacity, if we were lucky!
Cameron Gilmartin - Goal Machine!
Hello Cameron, congratulations on making your debut for the reserves a few weeks ago, how do you think you did?
Thank you, I thought I played alright considering it was my first appearance. All the lads helped me through it and I thought I grew in confidence throughout the game, I didn’t feel out of place. Hopefully my performance was good enough to catch the manager’s eye and get a few more games under my belt, but until then I’ll carry on working hard for the youth team!
You can play both at the back and in midfield, where do you prefer to play?
Ifeel at home in both positions, but if I had to say it would be the centre of midfield. Passing is one of my best attributes and I feel I could be more effective in midfield. Also I like to be involved in the game as much as possible and the centre of the park is where you would receive most of the ball. So I’d say centre midfield is my preferred position.
You have contributed 5 goals already for the youth team; do you think you have surprised any of the coaches?
Ha! Yes I’ve hit a bit of form in front of goal. As most of the boys know one of the coaches Adrian Browne made a very bold statement saying I wouldn’t score throughout my FEDO career. I happily remind him of my goals every training session, I can tell he’s gutted!
What course are you currently doing at FEDO?
I’m currently studying NVQ level 3 sports coaching! It’s a really good course because it’s what I’m most interested in...Football! All the lads have a good laugh on the course.
Who is the team joker?
I think a few of the boys would disagree, but I’m going to have to say I’m the joker! My banter is by far the best in the squad; however, Bobby Cumber isn’t far behind me. The worst has got to be Chevy Hart, he wins that hands down!
I agree with you, who is your favourite player ever?
That’s a tough one. There are so many good players out there but my favourite was Zidane. The things he could do with the ball was out of this world, one moment that sticks in my mind was his volley in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen that goal was world class.
What was the best game you’ve ever seen?
That’s got to be when Rangers (that would be the real Rangers from Scotland!) played against Fiorentina, it was the second leg of the semi final of the UEFA Cup in 2008. It was a great game and we finally managed to win on penalties but the emotions I had throughout the penalties were unimaginable, and the relief and excitement after we won was brilliant. I booked my ticket for the final straight away.... It was a shame we lost.
Not sure about them being the real Rangers! Do you think you can bring home some silverware this year for the youth team?
Interviewed by Alex Tokarczyk
Our Captain - Bobby Cumber
Interview with Bobby Cumber, holding midfielder and under 18s captain.
Hello Bobby, firstly, you were appointed as Under 18s captain at the beginning of the season, are you enjoying being the skipper?
Yes so far so good, it was an honour to be made captain because that was the next step for me, and I achieved it. I’m looking forward to upcoming season! 
What are you currently doing at FEDO?
Currently I’m doing my NVQ level 3 in coaching, following on from last year where I completed and passed the level 2 course.
What’s the best game you’ve played in?
There has been a couple since I arrived nearly 2 years ago, winning the Middlesex cup was one of them, also being able to play teams like Reading and Blackpool in pre-season.
Who is your favourite player?
I've got a couple, but Steven gerrard is always a good one to look up to.
What was the first game you ever went to see?
I can’t really remember but I used to watch Wycombe a lot as a kid.
The Under 18’s have won the Middlesex County Cup twice in a row, with no other team winning it three years on the bounce are you confident you can get your hands on the trophy again?
Yes I should think we can do this, I think we have the quality in the team to do so, so why not!
And finally, this is your last year of youth team football, have you got anything in mind for next season?
Interviewed by Alex Tokarczyk
Josh Christopher - Reserving His Place
Interview with Josh Christopher, a 3 rd year right back/ centre midfielder and this year’s college captain.
Hello Josh, firstly, your Dad was involved with Hayes FC; tell us a bit about his role?
Yes, he (Alan) was a first team player in fact and then he picked up a knee injury which forced him to stop playing. Following this he became the reserves manager and won them promotion.
What are you currently doing at FEDO?
I am still playing for the under 19s and I ‘m captain this year. After finishing my level 3 in football coaching last year, I am currently doing a youth working course at East Berkshire College, where I go into schools and youth clubs and do some football coaching.
What’s the best game you’ve played in for FEDO?
There have been a few actually, but the one that stands out to me was the pre-season friendly with a very strong Reading academy at the beginning of the 08/09 season. I think we were losing 2-0 at half time, and managed to turn it around in the second half and draw 2-2.
Who is your favourite player?
I don’t really have a favourite player, but I like Tom Huddlestone and see him as a bit of a role model.
Who is your favourite first team player?
Bradley Pritchard, he’s funny!
Who’s been your biggest inspiration in football?
The people who have inspired me the most are Adrian Browne (FEDO Coach and ex- Hayes player) and John Granville (Ex- Hayes goalkeeper and FEDO goalkeeper coach). John rates me as a player which is always nice to hear.
You’ve come on a few times from the bench for the reserves this season, are you hoping to get a regular place in the reserves?
Interviewed by Alex Tokarczyk
Tony Privett - Returning To FEDO
Firstly, welcome back, what's it like to be back on this scheme as a coach?
I'm really excited to be back, I'm looking forward to working with; the squad and the coaching team. We're training hard and we've started the season well, it’s now important we continue what we've started.
What have you been doing since you finished FEDO? 
I have gone away and worked my way through my coaching badges as well as my teaching qualifications. I have also tried to gain as much experience as possible.
What was your best experience whilst playing for them?
Winning the allied counties premier division as captain, and beating a very strong QPR team in the FA youth cup are two of my many fond memories.
And your worst?
Losing to Barnet FC in my second year. We had dominated the whole game, only for Barnet to score a 92nd minute equaliser. We eventually lost on pens, resulting in me playing my last game in the FA youth cup.
Now what are your main ambitions as a coach?
To continue and build on the previous success the scheme has achieved. On a personal note - completing the UEFA A' licence coaching qualification is something any coach would aspire to.
Who would be your dream player to coach?
Liam Feeney - It would be ironic to coach a good friend and former team mate.
What is the biggest difference in FEDO since you played?
The profile of the scheme. The amount of young players wanting to play and train is amazing, not a day goes past without someone stopping me asking for details about the scheme.
Are there any hot prospects you think have got what it takes to be a pro in years to come?
There are a few, who with the right application and hard work, can achieve anything they wish to. The proof will be in the pudding.
And finally, if you could give any advice to any young aspiring players, what would it be?
Being a footballer is not just about how you perform at training or how you play in the game, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about conducting yourself like a professional, whether that be in a game, on the training pitch, or in your everyday life, including how you apply yourself in the classroom.
Interviewed by Alex Tokarczyk
East Berkshire College students are on the ball
Two talented students from East Berkshire College have been selected to play for the under 19s England Colleges football team.
Nathan Webb (17) from Hayes and Charlie Wassmer (18) from Northolt beat 240 hopefuls from colleges across the UK to secure their places in the national squad. The successful duo underwent rigorous trials culminating in a national development weekend in Lilleshall, where a shortlist of 36 footballers was then whittled down to just 20.
Their first match will be a fixture against the Wales Colleges team. Followed by a tournament in Rome in February where they will be competing against other national sides including Italy, France and Germany.
“This is a great achievement for Charlie and Nathan,” says Simon East, FEDO (Football Education Development Opportunity) director at the College. “The standard for the under 19s squad is very high. Six players from the last team have now gone on to play professionally. It acts as an ideal platform for talented young footballers and I have high hopes for both students.”
Nathan, who is currently studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Science at the College, found he was good at the sport from an early age, when his dad got him into a local team.
“I’m very excited about being selected to play in Italy,” comments Nathan. “We are training hard three to four times a week and I think we have a good chance of winning. Simon and my coaches at the College have been tremendously supportive. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“Ultimately, I’d like to play in the premiership and then perhaps coach. I enjoy teaching others the skills I have learnt, passing on my knowledge and experience. I already coach under 10s, which is very rewarding.”
Charlie, who is in his final year of a NVQ level three coaching course, was also passionate about football from a young age - playing for Hayes youth team when he was just 9 years old. He says: “My brother played professionally for Fulham and I’ve always been keen to follow in his footsteps. My goal is to play for a top team like Man United one day.”
The College has a strong reputation for nurturing budding young footballers with a number of former students, such as Josh Scott, having made the step up into the professional game.
The College’s Football Education Development Opportunity programme has won a Football Association National Charter Standard award, the most prestigious award in grassroots football.
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