Norwich City’s Jay Marshall graduates with Arsenal chief.

Jay Marshall, Norwich City’s head of academy recruitment, graduated alongside Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker from a technical directorship course for the world’s top prospects.

Marshall, Mertesacker, and 14 other players completed the England Football Learning programme earlier this month, following 18 months of tutelage and collaboration with fellow athletes.

Throughout the course, the group met 22 times, went on a study trip to New York City, and received one-on-one business mentoring.

Marshall has been with the Canaries for nearly 14 years, starting as a London development centre lead in August 2011. He was promoted to head of London recruitment a year later, and he began his current role in March 2019.

Phil Church, senior game coach development lead at the FA, stated, “These courses are critical for staying connected with the game at the elite technical leadership level. So, from our perspective, continuing to grow that community of practice is critical, and this course is part of that.

“Additionally, the opportunity to impact and influence some of the highest levels of the game and support and develop some of the brightest technical leaders we’ve got is also of real importance, and for us to continue with the success going forward.”

Mertesacker, who previously worked with City’s former interim head coach Jack Wilshere as the Gunners’ under-18s manager, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of this programme; I’ve really been put through the paces and been able to explore my capabilities.

“Having previously been an ex-player and now a coach, this experience has revealed what it’s like to operate in elite environments.

“One important lesson I’ll take away from this is that football is full of good people who help one another. It’s been fantastic to connect with like-minded colleagues and learn from shared experiences.”

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