The Ultimate Destination for Football Youth Development
Elite coaching. Mental performance training. A real pathway to the professional game.
Who We Are
Our Story
Excel Football Project was founded by former professional players and pro coaches who've competed and coached at the top level of the game — and know exactly what separates a good academy from a great one.
Our programme runs on a playbook built in-house, pairing technical and tactical development with mental resilience, discipline, and character. Players don't just get better on the ball. They build the mindset to compete for a place at the professional level.
Mental health isn't an add-on here. Our athletes get access to counselling, workshops, and mindfulness training alongside their football programme, because performance and wellbeing are the same project.
Our technical staff includes the Technical Director of Olympiakos Nicosia's Academy, bringing top-flight academy standards directly into our programme.
Technical Director
Ioannis Grammos leads the Olympiakos Nicosia Academy as Technical Director, bringing long-standing dedication to football and to the development of young players. He carries a clear vision for the Academy's future, built on methodical planning, long-term player development, and modern footballing principles. His leadership ensures a single philosophy and consistent discipline across every age group.
Strength & Conditioning
Andreas Kyriacou-Rossi, Head of Strength & Conditioning, holds a Master's in Exercise Physiology and is a PhD candidate at the University of Nicosia, researching strength training in young footballers. A published researcher in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, he has presented at the European College of Sport Science congress. He leads physical preparation for the U19, U17 and U16 squads, with Lefteris Mikouris covering U15 through U13.
U17 Coach
Michalis Toumbas leads the U17 squad.
U16 Coach
Panikos Efthymiou returns to the Olympiakos Nicosia family with a UEFA B diploma and experience from established Cypriot clubs — Omonoia 29is Maiou, Dikefalos Geriou, Omonoia Nicosia and Ethnikos Assias — as well as a previous spell at Olympiakos.
U15 Coach
Prodromos Michail is a UEFA A qualified coach with a degree in Sport Science from the University of Nicosia. Most recently assistant coach with APOEL's U14 and U15 sides, he previously served as head coach at PAEEK Kyrenia and AEK Larnaca.
U14 Coach
A UEFA C qualified coach, Theodoros Papadopoulos is a young but highly committed coach with experience at academies including Pafos FC and Total Football Academy. His approach emphasises holistic technical development, physical development, life skills, and building a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In his own words: "Our mission is not only to teach children football, but to help them grow with character, confidence and respect."
U14B Coach
Grigoris Ntokos leads the U14B squad.
U13 Coach
Thomas Kounnas is a UEFA C qualified coach with experience at clubs including AEK Larnaca, the PAOK Larnaca Academy, the Omonoia Nicosia–Pyla Academy and PAEEK Kyrenia, among others.
Goalkeeping
Demetris Stylianou, Head of Goalkeeping. Born in Nicosia, he was a professional goalkeeper with a notable career at clubs including Olympiakos Nicosia and AEL Limassol. He now returns to the place that made him. His experience at the competitive level, his character and his persistence are a reference point for every young player who wears the black and green. He is supported by Faidon Liveris, Assistant Goalkeeping Coach.