Following on from the start of the academy season, we caught up with former player Yan Klukowski, to discuss his role within the club’s academy as Lead Foundation Phase Coach.

Currently juggling a player-coach role at Hereford, Klukowski’s role at Forest Green focuses on overseeing the U9-U12 age groups through their journey in the academy set-up.

“First and foremost, our aim is to continue their development and their love of the game,” Yan said. “If they’re having enjoyable experiences within the game then they’re more likely to take on those little bits of information.

“We place an emphasis on really developing that love for the game, so in 15-20 years’ time they’ll still have that appreciation for the game. Hopefully they’ll be either be involved with us in the first-team or still in the game in some capacity.

“That might be as a referee, we might develop some coaches, or they might play to a good level in non-league football – but by providing an enjoyable experience and love for the game, hopefully it’ll stick with them as they travel through the pathway.”

The 34-year-old discussed the importance of everyone being made to feel valued at the club, as he remarked: “I think when people feel valued and they’re made to feel important and wanted, it naturally brings the best out of anybody.

“We’re here to challenge but also to make sure that they come with a smile on their faces and are running through the gates.

"If we’ve got children running through the gates when they arrive at training or turn up for a game then that’s great, for me that’s probably the most important part of the job. It’s important to us that people feel wanted and that everyone is one at the FGR academy."

Klukowski, who has made more than 300 appearances in his career to date – expressed his gratitude at being able to pass on the experiences that he has gained over the years to Rovers’ academy prospects.

“I’m very proud to be able to play a part in their journey,” Yan stated. “I absolutely loved my time here as a player, it’s been one of my favourite clubs that I’ve had the privilege of playing for in my professional career.

“It’s my opportunity to be able to give something back to the club and the children so that I can pass on some of the experiences and information that I’ve picked up from my time in the game.”

Academy players Murphy Bennett and Marcel McIntosh made their professional debuts for the club in the Papa John’s Trophy, highlighting the merits of the work done to bring players through to the first-team.

“I think it’s important to our coaches, parents and players to see that there are players that are coming through the academy system here and that there are opportunities at first team level,” Klukowski said.

“The fact that our first-team staff are so open and supportive of the academy is testament to those guys and shows that there’s a real interest in what we’re doing at academy level.”

The former Rovers fan favourite discussed the importance of brining through local players into the first-team, explaining: “I think there’s nothing prouder than a local boy from Stroud or Nailsworth putting a Forest Green Rovers jersey on.

“We get as much pride from anybody coming out of our academy but when it is a local boy there always seems to be a little bit more emotional attachment around that time.”