African Coaches Connect (ACC) has announced a trailblazing partnership with renowned neuroscience expert David Lepetit and Helliconia Sports, setting the stage for a revolutionary approach to football development across the continent.

 

This strategic alliance aims to equip African coaches and football professionals with world-class neuroscience education, implementation frameworks, and expert insight — a move expected to significantly boost talent identification, player development, and game strategy in African football.

Through the partnership, ACC members will gain access to:

• Neuroscience-based training and education

• Professional development opportunities

• Direct mentorship and guidance from David Lepetit and his Helliconia Sports team

 

“For years, I’ve believed that Talent ID & Talent Management in football circles and organizations have been underperforming,” said David Lepetit. “Too many ‘magic tools’ and so-called innovative approaches ignore cognitive adaptation, player context, and psychosocial variables. Coaches need a more grounded, scientific way to assess and support talent — this partnership brings exactly that.”

The collaboration is being hailed as a milestone moment by ACC Founder and President Coach Eldred Sunju-Abbey, who believes the integration of neuroscience into coaching will redefine how football is taught, analyzed, and evolved in Africa.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower African coaches,” Sunju-Abbey stated. “For far too long, we’ve relied on outdated methods. With the expertise of David Lepetit and Helliconia Sports, we are embracing a new era where cognitive science and data-backed insights lead the way. It will give our Coaches, Performance Analysts, Scouts, and Agents a distinct edge on the global stage.”

By emphasizing brain-based coaching strategies, cognitive load management, and player adaptability, this partnership will help ACC members navigate the complexities of modern football development, both on and off the pitch. From youth academies to elite performance setups, the impact is expected to be far-reaching.

The partnership aligns with ACC’s long-term vision of developing well-rounded, forward-thinking football professionals who can compete — and lead — at international levels.

African Coaches Connect is a pan-African initiative focused on building capacity among football coaches, analysts, and development professionals. The organization fosters knowledge-sharing, innovation, and global best practices in African football.

With neuroscience now in play, the future of African football coaching is not just brighter — it’s smarter.