Awford set for city Mango homecoming
After stepping away from day-to-day involvement at professional clubs and joining his local bowls outfit, Andy Awford has maintained his involvement with football through roles with the Premier League as an academy auditor and matchday delegate.
But it was former Pompey physio Neil Sillett who was to set his friend on his latest footballing journey which next month sees him return to the city via Portugal and Italy.
Sillett provided the link to former Premier League referee Graham Barber, who was in the process of founding a new business, Mango Football, which offers experiences to young players like those in the pro ranks enjoy.
A consultancy role has transitioned to Awford becoming the start-up’s new director of football, tasked with using both his contacts and knowledge to build the brand.
They next month bring their Ultimate Player Experiences to the city for two one-day events.
Awford said: ‘I cant wait to bring Mango to Portsmouth, though. It’s like coming home.
‘When we were targeting where to go in the country I pushed for here, because I know what football means to the city of Portsmouth.
‘I was introduced to the business at the end of 2022 - and have been director of football ever since.
‘It started on a consultancy basis, with them looking for some inside football knowledge. I provided them with the insights, and from there one thing led to another.
‘It’s a start-up company that’s still in its infancy, but it’s ready to take off.
‘Mango Football is not talent ID platform, it’s not a talent ID company.
It’s there to unlock the potential of young players, no matter what level they play at. We went to Benfica recently and ran a camp for 22 kids from Nottingham - they were given a once-ina-lifetime experience. Our next camps are in July amd August in Italy at Parma and Inter Milan.
‘The players get the whole treatment. They got the kit, the hotel, the training sessions and level of coaching, sports science, physiotherapy, the food - everything. It will be an amazing platform for kids to join.’
*Mango Football host their Ultimate Player Experience events in Portsmouth on May 30/31, at the new King
George V complex in
Cosham. For full details, visit Mango
Football