The mother of Myles Lewis-Skelly is calling on the FA and Premier League to support her fast-growing platform, which helps parents navigate the complicated world of academy and grassroots football.
Myles, 18, joined the Arsenal academy at the age of nine and rose to a starting spot against Everton in the Premier League last Sunday.
But for his mother Marcia, her son's progress is not the only focus. Based on her own experiences, she launched the organization No1Fan.club this summer. It offers resources for parents such as workshops, forums and information packs that can be used virtually or in person – and used across the football pyramid, including the Premier League.
'It is a resource for parents navigating the football industry from grassroots to professional football, providing space and community for parents to find out more, learn from the stories and wisdom of others, have a space to explore, ask questions and understand the intricacies of the industry,” she tells Mail Sport.
'There isn't enough information and support that is independent of the industry, the academies or your grassroots coach; parents have nowhere to go.
'As a parent you sometimes feel like you didn't see it coming, that you failed, or that you didn't know what to do in certain situations. We're just trying to support parents.”
Several clubs already work with No1Fan.club to use their parent forums and workshops.
Marcia, who previously headed a technology training department at an investment bank, pursued a master's degree in football business after the Covid pandemic to better understand the landscape.
She also studied for the FIFA football agent exam. Now the determined Marcia wants to grow No1Fan.club further with the help of the football industry.
“We would like the football industry and its regulators to help support this initiative, which ultimately supports the football industry,” she said.
'I would like them to recognize that we are here to help and to endorse what we do in clubs. Come and discover what we do.
'We did workshops with the Premier League and they liked what we did. But they don't take it to the next level. This is something that the FA should see as an advantage.
“The industry is almost cautious, I think, about parents being better equipped. I honestly don't know (why). It is a win-win situation for the sector. If you have parents who understand the football landscape better, then when the parents are looking after the children, they will understand what they have control over.”
Marcia mentions her master's thesis on the parent experience in top football academies as a crucial moment.
“It was a bit like a mic drop moment, interviewing parents who have been through some very difficult times from all backgrounds,” she explains.
'There is a lot of research about the development trajectory of young people and how important parents are in this, but there is little offering of solutions to make it easier for them.
“So learning more about that from my own experience, but also from other parents, was clearly the conclusion that had to happen for me.”
Her message to clubs is simple: pay attention to the role of parents in a child's development.
“The investment is always about development, but understanding the parent role is not something they feel is their (club's) role,” she adds.
“But part of that success is certainly helping parents navigate this complex industry. It's not like any other. The resources are not being put into that area. I think more attention should be paid to it.'
No1Fan.club has launched a national survey to collect feedback from parents in academies to help the organization understand parents' needs. To provide feedback, please visit this link:
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