City announce academy exit for former winger Forbes

The 40-year-old has successfully completed his Elite Coaches Apprenticeship Scheme, which is funded by the Premier League, and has also gained his Diploma in Coach Development.

Originally from London, Forbes came through City’s youth system before going on to score eight goals in 121 games for the first team as a speedy winger between 1996 and 2001. He has been working as a foundation phase coach, with players between the ages of nine and 15.

Academy manager Steve Weaver said: “From an academy perspective we would like to thank Adrian for his hard work and dedication to his role as foundation phase coach. He leaves having successfully passed his course and also gained his A Licence and advanced youth award.

“Everybody at Colney and Carrow Road wishes Adrian every success in his future career.”

The Elite Coach Apprenticeship Scheme (ECAS) is a two-year development programme, which is run as part of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

ECAS is aimed at accelerating the learning and development of coaches employed by clubs who demonstrate the potential to be future elite coaches in youth football, with nine black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) and female coaches now included each season.

Forbes played for clubs including Luton, Blackpool and Swansea after his time as a Norwich player came to an end in 2001, racking up over 350 appearances and almost 50 goals in total.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Forbes well aware of the challenges facing City academy prospects

Adrian Forbes in action during his playing days for Norwich City Picture: Archant library

He also played locally for Lowestoft Town before retiring in 2012 and works as a matchday announcer at Carrow Road for first team games.

Forbes has also spoken recently about the challenges of dealing with racism in football, as part of the Kick It Out campaign, and about the responsibility he felt to educate City youngsters on issues of equality.

“I feel as a black coach that I have a massive responsibility for the players that I work with and coach on a daily basis, but also for any other young, black aspiring coaches that are coming through the game,” he told the Canaries’ website.

“It’s hard enough now to get the relevant qualifications and to get to the top of the coaching tree, and it’s well documented that the number of black managers, the number of teams in the game and the number of players in the game that are black, Asian and minority ethnic doesn’t add up.

“And I see myself in a situation where it’s vital that I conduct myself in the right way as a black coach so I can be a role model for these players coming through and also educate them how to deal with these situations if they ever come across it.”