Program Director To Be Announced

UDA is investing more resources into the Chester Academy and felt the need for a full-time Director to be present on a regular basis. Our new Director will work closely with our new UDA Support Officer, who is to be announced. These two positions will work in tandem to enhance the level of support our students receive both on and off the pitch. Our students will now have a direct route and point of contact on a personal level - not only through the Support Officer, but to the Director. 

Our new Program Director, due to their current contract with a Premier League Club, will be announced to our community on July 1st. 

We are really excited about what this new direction will bring for the student experience; such as offering future pathways into the game and aid us with the continued growth of the UDA program. 

Our new Director has international experience working with two major Premier League Clubs as a coach and administrator in both England and abroad. They have extensive experience in helping student-athletes reach their full potential and will be a hands-on, on-site, and full-time Director both on and off the pitch. ​
 
The program will be moving forward, expanding students' experiences and opportunities. 

Stay tuned for more upcoming information and never hesitate to reach out with questions. 

We are excited about the upcoming year! 

Support Officer

In order to support our students and help them live, study, and thrive in the UDA Academy, we will be welcoming a new Support Officer - to be announced. 

Graham Roberts

​Graham’s professional training and background is in player development across all levels.

His experiences include working as a coach for FA Premier League Club Everton FC within their Junior Academy, across all ages, specializing in the individual development of young players. He is also a specialist in one-two-one coaching.

Graham has experience as a talent identification scout at Everton FC, seeking to identify those players with the necessary attributes to play within an elite football environment. He was also recruited by Manchester City FC to co-ordinate their Regional Development Centers and management of a local scouting network. 

He is a lead coach for Manchester City FC Schools — coaching and delivering the Manchester City Language and Performance Program, using the City Group philosophy, to educate players from all over the world through football.  

In addition, he is also the managing director of Elite Academy Sports, which delivers football and education programs to schools, colleges and elite travel teams from around the world.

TBA
UDA GK Coach

We look forward to announcing our 2023 GK Coach!

Dr. Brian Haley
Executive Director

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

Jay will be attending several showcase events around the country. If you are attending any showcase events please contact:
​
jsparrow@udauk.org
(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.