Meet The Coaches
Our great coaches help hundreds of our players improve each year. With the philosophy throughout Our Academy of ‘Enjoyment is everything’ all of our coaches believe in working that way. Nearly all of our coaches are still playing football themselves and all our coaches have at some point – or still are – Professional Footballers. This gives our players great insight into what it takes to be a Professional Footballer if they wish to do so.
All of our coaches are DBS checked and FA Qualified as well as having their Safeguarding and First Aid qualifications. The safety of our players is paramount and all coaches adhere to the safety of the players at all times.
JJ O'DONNELL
– HEAD COACH/DIRECTOR
Head Coach and director JJ had a Professional career spanning 12 years. The former Luton Town and Gateshead midfielder now plays in the National League North with Blyth Spartans.
JACK HUNTER
– ASSISTANT HEAD COACH
Still a Professional Footballer, Jack currently plays in the National League North with Gateshead. Jack came through the Newcastle United Academy and went on to Captain the U23 side.
HUGO BANKS
– HEAD OF GOALKEEPING
Hugo spent his scholarship days with then League 2 Grimsby Town. Currently without a club Hugo is in charge of the goalkeeping department at our Academy.
RHYS EVANS
– SOCCER SCHOOL LEAD COACH
Rhys currently plays for National League North team Blyth Spartans. A familiar face at all our Soccer Schools, Rhys is a great member of our team.
CRAIG LYNCH
– SOCCER SCHOOL LEAD COACH
Craig is currently First-Team manager at Northern Premier League side Morpeth Town. A great coach, Craig is another familiar face at our Soccer Schools as well as 1:1 specialist coach.
TOM DEVITT
– SOCCER SCHOOL LEAD COACH
Tom is currently playing with Northern Football League Division One team Hebburn Town. Tom also has his own coaching company FZ Performance but works alongside us as one of our lead Soccer School coaches.