Colchester United legend Karl Duguid has taken on a new role as Director of Coaching with The Acorn Project CIC, aiming to merge football with wellbeing support for local youth. Next fixture: vs Gillingham (away, 2027-02-27) (6th in the table).
What is Duguid’s new initiative?
The 48-year-old, a two-time promotion winner with Colchester, will lead the Acorn Summer Academy and a partnership with The Thomas Lord Audley School. His programme uses football as a tool to address mental health and confidence issues among youngsters.
How does it help young people?
Duguid’s approach focuses on early intervention, offering mentoring alongside coaching. He believes football can bring out the best in people, helping them tackle personal challenges while developing their skills on the pitch.
Why is this personal for Duguid?
Having spent over two decades in professional football after rising through Colchester’s youth ranks, Duguid understands the pressures young players face. He wants to provide the guidance he once needed, especially for those less privileged or struggling in traditional education.
What’s next for the project?
Duguid plans to expand the programme into more schools, emphasizing support networks to combat modern pressures like social media. His goal is to ensure young people always have someone to lean on, both in sport and life.
