John Dyke
UDA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Email: [email protected]
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John joins UDA Chester from Manchester City Football Group, where he held the position as the director of academy operations for Manchester City Soccer Academy in the USA.
John has a wealth of experience in coach education with the City Group having worked in China with the Chinese National football association through their ministry of education. Most recently John has worked in the USA bringing the Manchester City philosophy and methodology to the coaching centers he has directed. |
John has been responsible for global talent identification both in the USA and China through a variety of programs and his team specifically selected players from China to be invited to play at the Manchester City U23 academy.
Prior to joining Manchester City Group John worked at Manchester United serving as their soccer schools international project manager, overseeing their global educational courses for aspiring players. John has overseen the assessment and development of players for the programs with Manchester United soccer schools.
In addition to coaching John will direct all operations in the academy as well as serving as an on field coach. He will not only lead the coaching staff but will be ensuring the social and cultural experience of students is extended beyond the training and games program to give an all round positive student experience.
John will be also using his extensive contacts in the English professional game to enhance the student development and understanding of the game through visiting coaches and webinars from coaches at the professional level.
Prior to joining Manchester City Group John worked at Manchester United serving as their soccer schools international project manager, overseeing their global educational courses for aspiring players. John has overseen the assessment and development of players for the programs with Manchester United soccer schools.
In addition to coaching John will direct all operations in the academy as well as serving as an on field coach. He will not only lead the coaching staff but will be ensuring the social and cultural experience of students is extended beyond the training and games program to give an all round positive student experience.
John will be also using his extensive contacts in the English professional game to enhance the student development and understanding of the game through visiting coaches and webinars from coaches at the professional level.
Jamie Fitzpatrick
Head of Coaching
Email: [email protected]
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Jamie joins the academy from the Manchester City Football Group. In addition he has worked at Manchester United Academy within their youth programs.
Jamie coached and oversaw coaches within the City Football program, managing the preparation, organization and review of the coaching sessions as a lead coach both at national and international levels. Jamie will bring his extensive qualifications and experience to students, having worked in two English premier academies helping players reach their optimum potential. He will direct session coaches as needed and directly oversee the training, playing and games program. Jamie will work closely with the program director to give formative and summative feedback to players through data collection points to enhance the development process of students. |
Jamie Evans
Head of Women's Football
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Jamie holds a UEFA B License and joins the UDA coaching staff from Manchester City AFC, where he will oversee the Royals U21 team in the NW Counties League. With six years of experience at Manchester City FC, Jamie has coached players across the UK, Europe, and the USA. He has not only designed and delivered coaching sessions but also mentored coaching staff within the City group. Known for his organization, analytical approach, and attention to detail, Jamie aims to implement Manchester City’s philosophies to help players reach their full potential.
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MATT GREGORY
ROYALS HEAD COACH
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Matt Gregory is an experienced Physical Education Teacher with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Exercise Science and a UEFA B License. He has a rich background in football, having played for Liverpool FC and represented England internationally as a youth player. With over 400 league games and 300 semi-professional appearances, Matt now manages a Men's XI football team in Cheshire. His coaching career includes working as a development coach for Manchester United and Manchester City, where he is dedicated to enhancing player performance and fostering teamwork.
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Faye Butler
Women's COACH
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Faye a fully qualified UEFA coach who studies at the University of Chester.
She is currently the Captain of the University BUCs team and plays for UDA Vulcans FC. Faye has played at various levels of the women's game for clubs including Wolves FC and Stafford Town FC. Faye is pursuing a coaching career pathway coaching in the local high schools in addition to her work for UDA. She is an inspiration for young female and male players in the local community. |
George Steele
COACH
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George Steele, Is 23 years old and a recent University of Chester graduate with a 2:1 BSc in Sports Coaching. He has been involved within football for 15+ years both playing and more recently coaching gaining his FA level 2 and now working towards his UEFA B licence. He has played in the Welsh leagues, most noticeably for Mold Alexander.
He began work experience with UDA during his 2nd year and has now progressed to an assistant coach along with being a coach at Vulcan FC in the Cheshire league for their development squad. |
Martin Feast
Sports Injury Management
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Martin is a Level 5 Sports & Rehabilitation Therapist with 12 years of experience. As an ex-football player within the English FA league system, he has also gained valuable experience in coaching and team management.
Before his role at UDA in Chester, Martin established his own business, Simplicity Massages, which now operates in Manchester and Derbyshire. Martin has worked with current and former professional athletes across various sports, including Football, Rugby Union, and UFC. Qualifications:
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Chris Ireland
Physiotherapy
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Chris is a dedicated sports therapy professional with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy and an MSc in Football Science and Rehabilitation from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN). His career includes significant experience in elite sports settings, where he has worked in the football industry for Salford City FC, Accrington Stanley FC, Crewe Alexandra FC, and Chester FC, supporting both men's and women's teams.
Additionally, he has contributed to the success of St. Helens RLFC, UDA Soccer, and currently serve as the therapist for the Wrexham AFC Academy. Chris has a strong commitment to athlete care and performance enhancement, implementing evidence-based practices that foster recovery and rehabilitation within high-performance environments. |
Sophie Dutton
Physiotherapy
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Sophie is based in North Wales. Fully qualified BSc Sports Therapist who studied at the University of Derby and then continued onto further education to study at the University of Chester to complete a MSc in Sports Medicine and including BSc in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Level 4 UEFA Emergency Pitch Side.
She is currently the Sports Therapist for UDA and Chester Women FC and previously Head of Medical for Flint Town United Academy and the Sports Therapist for Flint Town United First Team. She has experience working for the FAW Girls North Squad as well as working for Derby County Football Club. Sophie is a great addition to the UDA Chester staff and will help players with their injury concerns and returning them to play safely. |
Kerry Morris
Sports Scientist / fitness trainer
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Kerry is based in Chester and to studying at the University of Chester to complete a MSc in Sports Medicine / science.
She has played at various levels of the women’s game for Chester FC and is currently playing for Wigan FC women’s team. Kerry is a great addition to the UDA Chester staff and will helping players with fitness testing analysis in addition helping players off field with any welfare and support required. |
Erin Whitehead
Sports Scientist
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Erin is based in Chester and to studying 3rd year student at the University of Chester to complete a MSc in Sports Medicine / science.
She has played at various levels of the women’s game and represented Chester women’s FC and the Chester University 1st in the BUC’s leagues. She completed a work placement last year with UDA and now applies the classroom theory to real time situations to support athletes' growth. Erin is a great addition to the UDA Chester staff and will be helping players with fitness testing analysis in addition helping players off field with any welfare and support required. |
JENNIFER MURRAY
Head of Student Support
Email: [email protected]
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Jennifer will join the UDA academy and work closely with the students and coaches to ensure that students' social and emotional well being is taken care of. She will work with students to ensure that they are on a path for graduation through their degree modules.
Jennifer has experience in post secondary education and learner support, a qualified teacher, with a degree in English Literature, and Certificate in Education. She has numerous years experience working in post-16 education and has a OCR Level 4 in Learning and Development, which has enabled her to identify the needs of students and support their personal growth and development. Jennifer is an avid football supporter and has worked within the professional soccer environment in international settings, notably the USA. Jennifer will bring an understanding of the needs of international students, specifically American students having worked in the USA. Jennifer stated, “I am driven to create at UDA a positive and productive work environment for our students that will help foster their growth. Working with a professional soccer club I witnessed first hand the power of teamwork, discipline and perseverance first hand. These experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on different cultures, educational systems and ways of life. They have broadened my horizons, deepened my cultural understanding, and enhanced my ability to connect with diverse groups of people.” |
Dr. Brian Haley
Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
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Brian is a former professional college coach in the U.S. for 26 years after moving from England. He played professional soccer in the American Soccer League for the Cleveland Cobras and for a number of semi-professional teams in the UK.
Brian also founded and developed the world's first program for the serious American soccer players between the critical development years of 18 to 21 to be given a wider opportunity for development than is presently available in the United States. Brian holds a Doctorate in Education as well as the Premier Coaching License from the National Soccer Coaching Association of America. He works closely with the UDA Soccer Program Director and the Head of Recruitment in the USA, to ensure the student experience is one of quality and provides the right opportunity for players and meets their expectations. |
Jay Sparrow
National Recruitment Coordinator
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Jay will be attending several showcase events around the country. If you are attending any showcase events please contact:
[email protected] (210) 219 7278 Jay, originally from England moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2003. He has a passion for helping student athletes reach their academic and soccer goals. He is experienced in talent identification and player development. He has identified, selected and provided opportunities for many students seeking an international studying and playing experience. Jay ran and developed a successful soccer organization in the USA and now has taken his skills to player identification for UDA across the USA. |
BRENTON DAWSON
Director of Women's Soccer Recruitment
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B.Sc Capital University, Ohio
M.Ed Heidelberg University, Ohio Brenton Dawson heads national recruitment on the women’s side. Dawson brings a wealth of knowledge from past experiences having worked with all NCAA levels, the NPSL, multiple youth clubs across the country and having studied and played in Europe. Coach Dawson most recently assisted at Daytona State College Women’s program reaching the Region 8 finals this past year. Prior to coaching at DSC, Dawson assisted at Lynn University for two seasons where he helped the Fighting Knights to the Final Four in the fall of 2019 after being crowned both SSC regular season and tournament champions. The staff also received the Regional Coaching staff of the year award that year. Dawson has also worked at NCAA Division III programs, Wittenberg and Heidlelberg in Ohio where he helped lead the Witt Tigers to a National ranking of 5th and the Berg Student Princes to their first OAC championship. Dawson has also been active in the Club soccer coaching at some of the nation's top premier clubs in multiple states across the country. Prospects wanting to learn more about the UDA Women's Program at the University of Gloucestershire program should contact Coach Dawson directly at [email protected] or call (937) 206 -3452. |
Ian Scott
Regional Recruiter
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Since moving to Indiana, Ian has served as Technical Director with Westfield Select S.C., Academy Director at ZYSA, and is now the Boys Director of Staff & Player Development.
He was named Indiana’s Boys Director of Coaching in 2016/17 and has led teams to regional and national finals, including the 2002 ZYSA Boys who finished runners-up at the 2019 National Final. Originally from England, Ian played professionally with Manchester City, Stoke City, and Bury, and was part of Man City’s FA Youth Cup–winning squad. His coaching background includes academy roles with Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers, as well as serving as an FA youth educator. Ian holds a USSF National B License, UEFA B License, and FA Youth Module 3 certification. |
Justin Dvorak
Regional Recruiter
Justin is a University of Chester graduate and former UDA player, where he studied Biology and Conservation Genetics. A standout at SA United in San Antonio and a three-time TASCO All-Region honoree, he went on to lead UDA Chester in goals and assists, earning a trial with Welsh Premier side Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Passionate about sharing his UDA and UK experiences, Justin helps student-athletes navigate the challenges of studying abroad while creating opportunities for them to showcase their talents.
Passionate about sharing his UDA and UK experiences, Justin helps student-athletes navigate the challenges of studying abroad while creating opportunities for them to showcase their talents.
