Kylrn Brooks-Lynch joined Albion as part of the Premier League’s Coaching Inclusion and Diversity Scheme in 2021 and his reward has been a full-time position with the club.
An unsuccessful triallist with Fulham, Stevenage and Leyton Orient, Kylrn remained in the game as a fledgling coach, gaining experience with Luton Town’s pre-academy squad and Arsenal’s soccer schools, while studying for a Master’s at Middlesex University. He later worked with the MK Dons academy and was assistant manager at non-league Arlesey Town before his career path took a surprise turn.
“I remember seeing the [CIDS] scheme advertised on a website and decided to apply,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting much, it was done more to stay sharp as I hadn’t filled in a CV for a long time, but there were four or five clubs offering the scheme and I applied for three.
“Brighton was the club that appealed to me the most, the one I really wanted, and four weeks later I was looking for a flat in the city! I was told there were around 80-90 applicants so couldn’t believe I’d actually won the race to be in such a positive, learning environment.”
A two-year plan was put in place for Ky to work with every age group, from pre-academy to the U21s, but within four months he had impressed Albion staff to the point where he became out-of-possession coach with the U14s while continuing his support and observations of the rest of the academy.
While it was a two-year placement, he was offered a full-time position in September 2022, and earlier this month he was promoted to the position of U16s assistant coach, while supporting the U18s group.
“There are times still when I get flashbacks to when I was starting out all those years ago, so to now be in such a fantastic environment, I feel blessed,” he added.
“I’d always like to see more representation of black, ethnic minorities and female coaches within the professional game, but there is certainly change happening.
“Personally, I want to keep getting better as a coach so I can help as many players as possible and as many staff as I can because we’re in an environment here where we all want to challenge each other and make each other better.
“Ultimately, I want to play my part in helping as many players achieve their dreams at the club and that is to play for our first team. The pathway is there and if I can play my part in that, I will be delighted.”
*You can read the full interview with Kylrn in the Wolves programme, which also features Facundo Buonanotte, Mark O’Mahony, Stephen Ward, Gary Chivers and much more.