Rovers FC’s U13 Elite Programme is about to embark on its most ambitious venture yet: a three-week expedition to France from 1–21 June, kicking off with group-stage clashes in the Madewis Cup (5–8 June) against Juventus CF, Paris FC and a Junior Premier League Select XI. Following the tournament, the squad will face high-profile friendlies with academies such as Olympique Lyonnais, cementing Rovers’ status as Seychelles’ leading youth development outfit.
At home, the dominance of the U13s has been nothing short of spectacular. An undefeated domestic league campaign saw Rovers go through the season without a loss, routinely scoring over 20 goals per match and outscoring opponents by more than 200 goals in total. “Facing older opponents—our players have been competing in the U13 league since they were nine years old—has sharpened their technical adaptability and mental resilience,” explains Head Coach Rupert Pool. “Those results are exactly the foundation we bring with us to Europe.”
Launched four years ago as part of a 10-year development pathway, the Rovers Elite Programme is designed to guide players from age eight through to 17–18 with the ultimate aim of preparing them for professional football—ideally overseas. Every week features four training sessions devoted to ball mastery, tactical systems, small-sided simulations and strength-conditioning, supplemented by data-driven performance analysis and high-pressure U13 league fixtures.
Since 2023, Rovers have steadily extended their time abroad: a one-week tour in 2023, two weeks in 2024, and now a full three-week immersion in 2025. “Daily matches at Madewis Cup and beyond not only test our players but reveal areas for targeted improvement,” says Pool. “Each year we learn more and come back stronger.”
But Pool is quick to point out that the programme’s success is a team effort. Alongside him are the club’s academy director, a full-time goalkeeper coach specialising in goalkeeping, an assistant coach overseeing technical drills, UEFA-qualified visiting coaches and a dedicated logistics and analysis unit. “This structure mirrors professional academies abroad and offers me plenty of support,” he adds. Pool himself continues his own professional development, having earned CAF coaching licences and attended regular courses to bring the latest methods back to Seychelles.
Rovers’ excellence has not gone unnoticed nationally. Seventeen U13 players earned selection to the Seychelles squad after delivering outstanding technical and physical test scores that matched elite-level European standards. Those 17 will stay on in France for a five-week national camp under the SFF Technical Director as part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme, while their teammates return home to resume domestic duties.
Looking further ahead, Rovers are already laying the groundwork for the next generation. The newly launched U10 cycle—open to boys born in 2015 and 2016—is now in its scouting and trial phase. “We’re starting the next cycle of talent search,” says Pool. “Parents with promising youngsters should get in touch—this is a unique chance to step onto an elite pathway early.”
As the U13s prepare to take the field in Marseille and beyond, they showcase the fruits of four years of rigorous development within a 10-year vision and offer a glimpse of Seychelles football’s emerging talent on the international stage.
