Coaching

Ascent’s coaching structure is based upon a wide base of footballing knowledge, creating a well balanced, forward thinking coaching proposition blending Malawian and European expertise to benefit our young players.

Ascent's coaching programme consists of a variety of whole team, position specific, conditioning, technical and tactical sessions ensuring Ascent players skills and understand of the game are always improving. Players also frequently watch video footage of their performances linked to coaching themes and have to peer and self assess their performance.

Ascent's Head Coach, Thom Mkolongo has won the Superleague of Malawi as a coach, holds a CAF A Licence, is a former Malawi Women National Team Head Coach and  National Team Assistant Coach to Stephen Constantine, who went on to manage India. 

Thom is supported by Joe Taylor (UEFA B licenced coach) who brings European professional academy experience and input to help create an unrivaled training program for youth players in Malawi. 

Ascent Founder, George Maguire is a qualified European coaches and former English Premier League academy player. Caitlin MacMillan heads up the Chigoli Goalkeeper program and is the only European Qualified goal keeper coach in Malawi. She is sharing her wealth of knowledge with a Malawian understudy and previously played in the Scottish Women's Premier League. 

Ascent is also supported by two FAM C licenced local coaches and a FAM accredited referee.

Both Thom and founder, George Maguire are qualified school teachers. This creates a child friendly and focused training environment for players to thrive within.

The players train in private secure facilities, in a well resourced, driven yet supportive environment where young players are motivated to improve.