Published
2025-04-24
Union invests in youth academy, Henk Mariman appointed Academy Architect, Shawn Bishop becomes Head of Methodology
Union Saint-Gilloise is proud to announce a major transformation of its youth development system with the launch of a new sporting structure at the Union Academy. Mariman (54), who was most recently involved in youth development at RSC Anderlecht and previously at OH Leuven, will lead the new direction alongside Renaud Bontyès (General Manager Union Academy), Hamid El-Filahi (Union Academy Manager) and Shawn Bishop (Union Academy Head of Methodology).
Union Saint-Gilloise is taking the next step in strengthening its elite youth programme. This strategic overhaul is aimed at enhancing player progression within the academy, modernising coaching methods, and aligning the academy more closely with the first team’s philosophy and values.
The Union Way will focus on technical excellence, tactical intelligence, physical conditioning and mental resilience. At the core of our youth development remains the ambition to preserve the imagination of young players, their passion for football, and support their holistic development as young individuals.
Henk Mariman will take on the role of Academy Architect, joining forces with Renaud Bontyès, Hamid El-Filahi and Shawn Bishop.
The key features of our new Academy structure include:
A redefined player development curriculum across all age groups
A standardised coaching methodology aligned with The Union Way
Enhanced systems for data analysis, scouting and performance tracking
New roles in coaching, recruitment and player care to ensure holistic support
Henk Mariman brings a wealth of experience, having played a key role in strategic youth development across several Belgian football academies. His previous roles include Director of Football at the RSC Anderlecht Academy, Academy Manager at OH Leuven, Academy Director at Club Brugge and Academy Director at K. Beerschot V.A. Henk has also worked internationally as a consultant for Double Pass.
The newly appointed Head of Methodology, Shawn Bishop, joins Union from Saudi Arabia, where he held the same role. Before that, he spent eleven years at former African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, holding various positions in the academy and eventually becoming Head of Methodology. Shawn’s passion, commitment and expertise in youth development have seen him support several South African youth national teams at international tournaments, including the 2015 U17 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 U20 FIFA World Cup.
Completing the new sporting structure is Hamid El Filahi, who is entering his third season as Academy Manager at Union Saint-Gilloise. With years of experience in Brussels football, Hamid also trains youth coaches at the Royal Belgian Football Association.
Operational responsibility and support will be provided by Renaud Bontyès, who joined the club three months ago as General Manager of the Union Academy.
The club is also investing significantly in infrastructure for the Union Academy. Talks are underway with the municipality of Saint-Gilles for a €1.5 million investment in the facilities at the Corneille Barca complex in Anderlecht.
CEO Philippe Bormans: “Soon, we will have a permanent base for our first team in Zaventem, where we also support local youth football. In addition, we are planning an upgrade to our women’s programme. Beyond the structural changes to the Academy, we are committed to investing in infrastructure, with the goal of making the Corneille Barca site the beating heart of our renewed youth development system.”
This change forms part of Union Saint-Gilloise’s broader long-term strategy to become an academy where players can grow in an inspiring and safe environment.