Nottingham Forest are preparing to shine a spotlight on one of the most important parts of football — the grassroots game — with a special event at the Nigel Doughty Academy on Thursday.
Young footballers from across the city, alongside the dedicated grassroots coaches who give their time to develop them, will be welcomed to Forest’s training base for an exclusive experience with Head Coach Oliver Glasner and members of his coaching staff.
It promises to be a memorable occasion for everyone involved, with the event designed to celebrate the people who continue to make football accessible to young players throughout the local community.
For Nottingham Forest supporters, the initiative represents something far bigger than a single day at the academy. Grassroots football is where countless players first discover their passion for the game. It is where children take their first steps onto a pitch, learn the fundamentals, build friendships and begin dreaming about where football might eventually take them.
The opportunity to visit the Nigel Doughty Academy and meet members of Forest’s first-team coaching staff could therefore create memories that young players will carry with them for years.
The presence of Oliver Glasner makes the event even more significant. As Head Coach, Glasner operates at the highest level of the professional game, but the Thursday event provides an opportunity to connect directly with the coaches and young players who represent the future of football in Nottingham.
Importantly, the focus will not only be on the young footballers.
The grassroots coaches will also take centre stage.
Behind every young player is often a dedicated volunteer who gives up evenings, weekends and countless hours simply because they want to help children enjoy football and develop their abilities. Their contribution can sometimes happen away from the spotlight, but events such as this provide an opportunity to recognise just how valuable their work is.
For Forest fans, that community connection is particularly meaningful. Nottingham Forest is deeply connected to the city, and supporting grassroots football is another way of strengthening the relationship between the club and the people who make up its wider football community.
The day will reportedly have two central focuses: celebrating the young players taking part and recognising the volunteers who dedicate their time to coaching them. Both groups are essential to keeping grassroots football thriving.
For the youngsters, it will be an opportunity to experience an environment normally reserved for professional footballers. For the coaches, it will be a chance to share the occasion with colleagues and gain insight from those working within the professional game.
Most importantly, the event sends a powerful message: the future of football does not begin in a Premier League stadium. It begins on local pitches, in community clubs and with volunteers willing to give their time.
Nottingham Forest’s decision to bring these young players and coaches into the Nigel Doughty Academy puts that message firmly into action.
For one day, the next generation will get a glimpse of the professional environment they dream about, while the people helping them along the journey will receive the recognition they deserve.
It is a celebration of football, community and opportunity — and another reminder that Nottingham Forest’s story extends far beyond matchdays at the City Ground.
Young players. Dedicated coaches. One special day at the Nigel Doughty Academy.
The future of Nottingham football is being celebrated at Forest — and the journey starts here. 🌳🙌❤️
NOTTINGHAM FOREST TO WELCOME THE NEXT GENERATION! YOUNG PLAYERS AND GRASSROOTS COACHES SET FOR SPECIAL DAY WITH OLIVER GLASNER Nottingham Forest are preparing to shine a spotlight on one of the…
