Experience

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  Wolverhampton Wanderers

  • United Kingdom
  • Spectator Sports
  • 200 - 300 Employee

  • Academy Manager

    • Jun 2022 - Present

    • Oversee and lead all aspects of operations within an elite Category 1 Academy• Lead development processes for elite players within the Academy• Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative strategies• Enhance the progression of players in the professional game• Drive the vision of the Academy• Do so through strategic planning, football development, and leadership of staff and players• Work with multidisciplinary colleagues to lead and develop the club’s football philosophy• Also develop the Academy performance plan, and Academy coaching curriculum• Lead multidisciplinary departments, including Academy coaching, recruitment, medical, and more• Ensure alignment between the Academy’s playing and coaching philosophy and the clubs• With the Academy Manager (Operations), create and implement an operational plan• Ensure this is in line with EPPP requirements and KPIs• Manage the financial operations of the Academy• Ensure there are processes in place to identify, recruit, and retain the best local and national players• Oversee the Academy’s recruitment strategy, squad succession planning and release strategy• Manage Academy staff, hold regular meetings with colleagues, and oversee staff recruitment• Monitor player progression and implement development strategies• Conduct contractual negotiations with players and their representatives• Liaise regularly with players’ parents and guardians.• Ensure there is a pathway for player progression from the Academy to the first-teamKey Achievements✓ Successfully redeveloped the Academy recruitment strategy.✓ Implemented innovative ideas to continue the growth of the Academy programme✓ Graduates Nathan Fraser, Hugo Beuno, Dexter Lembikisa, and Joe Hodge have made their debuts✓ Club now has the highest number of international players within the Academy✓ 2021/22: U18s were FA Youth Cup semi-finalists ✓ 2021/22: U21s gained promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1

  • Head of Coaching & Development U7-12 & Head of Academy Coaching

    • Jun 2017 - Jun 2022

    • Responsible for the development of U7 to U12 players within the Academy.• Oversaw and led coaching staff• Ensured all coaches had completed the coach competency framework• Ensured they completed and had access to their personal development plans• Also ensured that their development plans had a clear process• Organised and implemented the Foundation Phase coaching and games programme• Designed and implemented Individual Development Plans• Ensured these were aligned with the club’s philosophy• Conducted a thorough review and evaluation of coaching resources to identify individual needs• Identified individual coach development areas and resource requirements• Underpinned these areas through a clear coach development plan• Established creative approaches to coach development by promoting innovative methods• Promoted reflective learning by providing coaches with support• This included video analysis and reviews of coaching behaviours• Developed and maintained a positive learning environment• Did so to maximise each coach’s learning potential• Ensured the appraisal process linked with the Coach Development Programme• Administered the Individual Coach Development Programme• Devised and delivered an annual programme of workshops and seminars• Ensured these covered all areas linked to the Wolves Coach Competency Framework • This was both generic and phase-appropriate• Maintained a clear record of Academy Coaches attending CPD events• Provided a mentoring programme for full-time coaches• Did so to support their work in developing part-time coaches• Liaised with the Senior Coaching Team and coaches• Maintained a consistent approach to all relevant information for players and coaches • Planned, delivered, and evaluated every session • Did so in line with the Academy Coaching Philosophy and Academy Coaching Programme

  • Foundation Phase Lead Coach (U9 to U12)

    • Sep 2014 - Jun 2017

    • Monitored, managed, and drove the performance and development of players• Did so within the Foundation Phase (U9 to U12) squads• Ensured all coaching was aligned with the club’s ethos, vision, and philosophy• Oversaw and led coaching staff within the Foundation Phase• Meticulously planned, prepared, led, and evaluated age-appropriate coaching sessions• Did so to further the technical and tactical development of players• Led on match days; was responsible for team selection• Ensured greater emphasis was placed on the development and progression of players • Supported players along the development pathway• Assisted their progression through the Academy structure• Contributed to talent identification processes• Organised and led the Foundation Phase coaching and games programme• Led the respective age-group squads on tours and in tournaments

  • Academy Coach & Scout

    • May 2011 - Sep 2014

    • Responsible for the planning and delivery of coaching sessions.• Assisted and supported with the delivery of Academy and Development Centre coaching programmes• Attended grassroots games to identify players with the necessary attributes to join the Academy• Put forward player recommendations to the AcademyKey Achievements✓ Successfully identified players within grassroots environments✓ Players progressed after being on trial to attain professional schoolboy contacts

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  Various Companies

  • United Kingdom

  • Additional Experience

    • Jul 2008 - Sep 2014
    • United Kingdom

    • Sport Structures Ltd: Tutor Assessor, Sep 2013 - Sep 2014• Centre Spot CIC: Sports Development Officer, Jul 2008 - Aug 2013

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  Football clubs

  • United Kingdom

  • Additional Coaching Experience

    • Jul 2006 - May 2011
    • United Kingdom

    • Walsall FC: Centre of Excellence Coach, Jul 2007 - May 2011• Walsall FC: Assistant Community Officer, Sep 2006 - Jul 2008• Aston Villa FC: Community Coach, Jul 2006 - Sep 2006