From his first training session at the IFK Göteborg Academy at the age of 13 to professional football – Jesper Tolinsson has come a long way.
During a recent visit to Lommel, Tanner Speed Academy founder Carsten Effertz had the opportunity to catch up with Jesper and see him again after several years of following his development.
Jesper has been playing in Lommel since 2021, but Carsten has known him for much longer. Their connection goes all the way back to Jesper’s very first training session with the IFK Göteborg Academy, when he was just 13 years old.
Over the years, Carsten has been able to follow Jesper’s development from a young academy player taking his first steps in elite football to becoming a professional player.
For Carsten, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in long-term player development. Football careers take players to different clubs, countries and environments, but the relationships built during the academy years can remain.
Being able to stay in contact with players over many years and follow their development – both as players and as people – is something special.
Meeting Jesper again in Lommel was a great reminder that player development is a long-term journey. Tanner Speed Academy is proud to have been a small part of that journey and looks forward to following the next chapters of Jesper’s career.
Great to see you again, Jesper – and all the best for the season ahead!
