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Harriers Academy update

An introduction to our new Academy Manager and the roles that will support him

By Matty Paddock - 19/02/2025

Posted 7 months ago

NO STRANGER to anyone at the club, Brandon Bevins has been an integral part of the Academy for a number of years, starting off as a volunteer and over the years progressing from Youth Phase Lead to Assistant Academy Manager.

A UEFA B Licence, qualified coach, he has managed across all the pillars of the successful Junior and Senior Academy. Having moved into his new full-time role as Academy Manager earlier this month he will now oversee the football side of all Harriers Academy programmes.

Playing his part in numerous Academy success stories on and off the pitch over the years, the club are delighted to see Brandon continue the progress and see him as the perfect person to implement the club’s vision and strategy.

On his new role, Brandon said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Kidderminster Harriers over the last six years and I am excited to take on this new challenge at the club as Academy Manager.

“For me, it is about providing the best life experiences and learning opportunities that we can for all our young players and the local community. Our goal is to develop well-rounded, talented individuals on and off the pitch and I am relishing the opportunity to provide that for all our players via our Junior and Senior pathways.”

On the aims he has for his new role; Brandon recognises the importance of developing Academy players both on and off the field as we look to grow to 80 junior teams in the next 18 months

Brandon explained: “I feel the clubs Academy has really developed over the last three or four years and a good number of players are now having those opportunities and experiences with their respective First Teams. I wish Luke Astley all the best in his new role, as he leaves behind good foundations, to which the staff and I will look forward to building on.”

CFO, Lee Jordan, commented: “I am delighted to bring Brandon on board as Academy Manager.

“Brandon has a great understanding of the club, our values and most importantly understands all areas of our pathway from our U8s Boys & Girls right the way through to First Teams.

“He has the experience, passion and skill to really drive our Junior and Senior Academy forward, developing our players on and off the pitch.

“I have been nothing but thoroughly impressed in all dealings we as a club have had with Brandon in his role as Assistant Academy Manager and I very much look forward to working with in his new role.”

As Brandon transitions into his new role, the following staff will either be joining him or operating in the following roles as they look to grow and progress the club:

Kevin Bunn – Head of Football Operations