We sat down with Rovers FC’s U13 Head Coach, Rupert Pool, to explore the vision and hard work behind our U13 Elite Programme. From its ten-year development pathway and domestic dominance to annual European expeditions and national selection success, Coach Pool shares how each element—from rigorous training and data-driven analysis to international competition—has combined to prepare our players for professional football and elevate Seychelles football as a whole.
Your Elite Programme began four years ago. What foundational elements did Rovers put in place from the start to build this pathway?
Rupert Pool: From day one, Rovers implemented a schedule of four weekly training sessions focusing on advanced ball mastery, tactical systems and small-sided simulations. Strength and conditioning was integrated each week to develop athletic resilience. We used data analytics to benchmark against elite-level European metrics, ensuring transparent, measurable targets. Crucially, since the age of 9–10, our players have competed in the U13 domestic league against older opponents, accelerating both their technical adaptability and mental toughness.
Rovers went unbeaten in domestic league matches this season, often scoring over 20 goals per game—how does that align with your long-term objectives?
Rupert Pool: Our focus has always been to develop professional-ready players for the international stage. Each year we conduct European expeditions—competing in tournaments and training with elite academies—to gauge our progress beyond Seychelles. These annual trips and our domestic record together ensure we continuously refine our methods and confirm our players meet and exceed professional standards.
Building on Rovers’ successful European expeditions in 2023 and 2024—against AC Milan, Dallas FC, Benfica and Olympique de Marseille—how does this year’s Madewis Cup and France tour elevate the squad’s development and international profile?
Rupert Pool: Each tour has progressively increased in scope, duration and competitiveness. In 2023, we spent one week in France; 2024 saw two weeks; and this year’s three-week expedition offers even more sustained high-intensity matches. Competing in the Madewis Cup against Juventus CF, Paris FC and the Junior Premier League Selection provides daily exposure to elite football environments. This gradual extension of time abroad deepens our players’ tactical insight and technical resilience, reinforcing lessons from past trips and pushing them toward professional standards.
How long is the Rovers Elite Programme designed to last, and what happens after U13?
Rupert Pool: The Elite Programme guides players from age 8 all the way through to 17 or 18, aiming to prepare them for professional careers—ideally overseas. In fact, we’ve already begun nurturing a new generation of U10 athletes under the same framework, currently in scouting and trial phases. Parents with talented children interested in joining should reach out—this is a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of our current cohort.
Many have asked how you manage the demands of leading such a comprehensive programme on your own. How do you cope with these responsibilities and maintain quality across all areas?
Rupert Pool: Our head coach role is complemented by Rovers’ academy director overseeing player pathways, a full-time goalkeeper coach specialising in goalkeeper training, and an assistant coach managing technical drills. We host UEFA-qualified visiting coaches throughout the year, and behind the scenes a team of technical analysts and managers handles logistics and performance data integration. This structure mirrors professional academies abroad, surpassing any local setup while staying grounded in continuous learning and best practices.
Beyond your work with players, how have you, as head coach, developed professionally during this programme?
Rupert Pool: I’ve pursued CAF coaching licences and participated in continual professional development courses to enhance my methods and leadership. I recognize that our local coaching standards must advance alongside player growth. Our European tours aren’t just for players—they give coaches firsthand insight into elite training frameworks. This process keeps us humble and motivated to bring back best practices, ensuring Seychelles coaching evolves.
Critics have suggested Rovers’ friendship with the SFF influenced the 17 national selections. What’s your response?
Rupert Pool: Selection was purely merit-based. Players achieved outstanding technical and physical scores during the SFF’s trials—benchmarks identical for every candidate. These players have been on the radar for some time, with their growth and consistency evident well before this season’s achievements. Matching elite-level European standards, they earned their spots through performance, not politics. Hard work pays off.
With 17 players staying on for a five-week national selection camp under FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme in France, how does that process integrate with Rovers’ own development model?
Rupert Pool: The camp complements our framework by reinforcing advanced tactical drills and performance profiling within the FIFA TDS structure. Rovers’ methodologies and the SFF’s curriculum align perfectly, ensuring seamless continuity as these players transition from club to national duties.
Looking ahead, how do you see both this summer’s expedition and the broader Rovers Elite Programme shaping the future of Seychelles football?
Rupert Pool: These players will set a new standard of professionalism domestically. Their development through Rovers’ Elite Programme—combining four weekly training sessions, competitive domestic fixtures and progressive European expeditions—has forged athletes who serve as ambassadors for Rovers FC and Seychelles football, inspiring younger cohorts and elevating standards across the nation. On that note, I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us through every step of this journey.