Story added: 20th August 2026

Sonny Carey: A Foundation graduate now shining in the Championship

Sonny Carey’s rise from a released academy player to a Championship ever‑present is a powerful example of what young people can achieve through Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s Further Education pathway.

The pathway provides an outstanding opportunity for 16–18‑year‑olds to continue their academic, footballing and career development in a professional environment at Carrow Road and The Nest. Students can choose from our Male and Female Football & Education courses, as well as a dedicated Sports Coaching Programme for those interested in careers beyond playing. 

Sonny joined the second ever Football & Education cohort in 2017, arriving at the Foundation at a moment when he needed a fresh start. Recently released from academy football, he was searching for somewhere he could rebuild his confidence, enjoy his football again, and keep developing.  

Ryan Jarvis – Sonny’s coach throughout his time on the programme – remembers that period clearly. 

“Sonny has had a fantastic journey. He started with us many years ago in our second cohort He had just been released from academy football and he was quite down, but he hit the ground running. He loved his football, and he never wasted a day in training. He applied himself really well, which is what we always say to the students. And of course he had fantastic ability, but to go with that was the desire and willingness to keep improving day in and day out. 

“He then earned himself a professional contract at Blackpool and achieved a really good move to Charlton, where I believe he was one of only two players that played every single Championship game last season. It’s really pleasing to see Sonny’s journey so far.”

The Football & Education programme gave Sonny exactly what he needed: structure, belief, and a professional environment delivered by coaches who had enjoyed careers at the top level. Daily training, competitive fixtures, and a full Level 3 Diploma in Sport created a pathway that blended football development with academic progression. 

Sonny says that balance was crucial. 

“The programme was really good for me. It replicated what a professional environment would do. It was training and the college work, so we would get the Level 3 diploma in sport – we would get the education along with the football. Some of my friends who were on the course have gone on to use that to get into other jobs.” 

The Nest – one of the programme’s training bases – also played a major role in his development, providing a high‑quality environment that supported his growth alongside the Foundation coaches who guided him throughout his time on the course. 

“The facilities at The Nest are incredible. It’s got everything you need here. Good pitches, gym, you can get food here. The facilities are as good, if not better, than most professional clubs. 

“The coaches were really good to me as well. I had Adam Drury, Ryan Jarvis and Simon Lappin during my time on the course – they all had experience professionally. To learn from them on a day-to-day basis was excellent and helped me grow as a player. I would 100% recommend the programme.” 

While Sonny’s progression to the Championship is a standout success, the Foundation is equally proud of the many students who use the programme to build careers in coaching, sports science, university pathways, or wider employment. Stevie Bramble, Director of Programmes & Education, says Sonny’s story is inspiring – but represents just one of many positive outcomes. 

“We’re really delighted by Sonny’s case study and what he’s gone on to do football-wise, but in essence, it’s a real small percentage that go on to achieve that. We get as much satisfaction from those that go onto coaching or employment with the Foundation, or those who have just built proper life skills and are able to go and seek a career, but just be better at that opportunity because of the experience they had with us here at the Foundation.” 

Find out more about the Foundation’s post‑16 education courses and apply below, with limited spaces remaining for this September’s intake. 

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.