Raheem Sterling coaches youngsters at his own academy while searching for a new club

Raheem Sterling is spending his time as a free agent coaching the next generation of footballers at his own RS7 Academy, as the four-time Premier League winner continues his search for a new club.

The 31-year-old forward has been without a team since leaving Feyenoord at the end of a brief and underwhelming loan spell in the Netherlands. His departure from the Dutch club followed a turbulent period at Chelsea, where manager Enzo Maresca made clear in 2024 that Sterling had no future at Stamford Bridge. A subsequent loan at Arsenal in 2024/25 failed to revive his fortunes, and he left Chelsea by mutual agreement in January 2025.

Clips shared on the RS7 Academy’s social media pages show Sterling running hands-on sessions with young children, covering skills, finishing drills, and tactical concepts. The academy was originally founded so that Sterling’s own son could train in an environment away from the rigid systems of high-profile youth setups, but it has since grown into a broader coaching operation that blends elite football instruction with personal development.

Sterling is not the only prominent name involved. Former England and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, who most recently managed Italian second-division side Cesena FC, has also taken sessions at the academy.

The RS7 Academy has recently expanded its reach through a partnership with UCFB (University Campus of Football), with plans for future university students to participate in the programme and gain practical coaching experience.

Sterling, who won four Premier League titles during his time at Manchester City, has endured a difficult few years both on and off the pitch. He spent the first half of the 2024/25 season training separately from Chelsea’s first team after being barred from the main club facilities — a public and uncomfortable exile before his eventual exit. Whether his next move comes in England or abroad remains to be seen, but for now the veteran winger is channelling his experience into developing young talent.