UDA SOCCER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE
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Academy Staff

STEVE LILLEY
Program Director for UDA UOG

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Steve Lilley brings a wealth of experience in elite player and coach development, having worked extensively with the English Football Association as a coach educator. Holding a UEFA A License, he has spent his career shaping both players and coaches at the highest levels of the game.

Steve has dedicated his career to developing footballers and mentoring coaches, holding key leadership roles in professional academies and national coaching organizations, including:
  • FA Talent Reporter for the Female Game (2021 – Present)
  • FA Women’s High-Performance Centre Coach Developer (2022 – 2025)
  • Director of e-CAN 
  • Head of Academy Coaching at Bristol City FC (2020 – 2022)
  • FA County Coach Developer (2015 – 2020)

Through these roles, Steve has been instrumental in mentoring aspiring coaches, designing elite training programs, and supporting both men’s and women’s football development at the highest levels.

​Click here to view announcement.

Ryan Davies
HEAD OF FOOTBALL​

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  • UEFA B licensed coach with a B.SC in Sports Coaching.
    • Studied Football Coaching and Performance
  • Has undertaken various roles, including Talent Identification Scout and Head of Development Centre, as part of his coaching duties.
  • Before joining Cardiff City, Ryan worked at Merthyr Town Football Club, serving as their Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football and Women’s First Team Manager, where he oversaw all aspects of the women’s and girls’ program.
  • Responsible for the men's team in the Herefordshire and Hellenic League.
  • Offers individual small group sessions for players looking to improve their technical abilities.

TOM SHARPE
HEAD OF MEN'S ACADEMY

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  • Former professional player at West Bromwich Albion
  • ​UEFA-qualified coach and UEFA B qualified.
  • Injury cut Tom's professional career short, and he now focuses on a professional coaching career.
  • He will be responsible for working with Ryan on the UDA men's team in the Herefordshire and Hellinic leagues.

Aneaka Reay-Kemp
Head of Women's Academy

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  • Brings leadership experience from coaching with the British Army Women’s Senior Squad.
  • Selected for the prestigious Powerhouse Project (supported by the English FA and Nike) for outstanding coaching potential.
  • Currently completing her UEFA B Licence.
  • Known for her discipline, tactical insight, and commitment to developing players on and off the field.
  • Passionate about helping student-athletes unlock their full potential through education and sport.

Dave Cornock
​Academy Coach

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  • Experienced coach with success in Gloucestershire senior leagues and cup competitions.
  • Recognized for developing young players and helping them transition into the senior game.
  • Highly regarded for his energy, tactical knowledge, and player-first approach.
  • Currently completing his UEFA B Licence.
  • Passionate about inspiring student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field.

PATRICK WILLIAMS
PLAYER AGENT

Patrick is a UEFA licenced agent. His company Vision Management Performance (VMPPro) represents a number of scholars, professional and semi professional footballers and he acts in an advisory capacity for UDA. Patrick`s experience and knowledge of pathways both in the UK and abroad is invaluable in supporting UDA players as they transition from studying to working / playing. He also assists in putting together Player CV`s.

Injury management, rehabilitation, strength & conditioning


CHLOE BAKEWELL-BArratt
​student WELFARE

  •  Chloe brings knowledge and experience to the programme by having 1000+ hours of pitch side and clinic experience, mainly working in Rugby and Semi Professional Football being the Head of Medical at Cheltenham Town Women’s First Team. As well as leading the medical side of a female football programme in southwest England, helping young female players reach academy football.
  • She studied BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy at Hartpury University and also has completed her master’s degree in Rehabilitation at the University of West England (UWE).
  • She has also set up and co owns a business with Fraser John Innitt in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.
  • Her aim is to guide the UDA students to be strong and injury free whilst overseeing both the boys and girls programme over the course of the season.

FRAZER LINNITT
​student WELFARE

  • Fraser is an experienced sports therapist who has previously worked 5+ seasons at Professional and Semi Professional clubs such as Newport County AFC First Team and Cheltenham Town Women’s First Team. As well as being the head sports therapist at a leading youth academy system in southwest England, assisting young players in realising their full potential so they can advance to the next level in their footballing careers.
  • Studied BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy at Hartpury University and has completed several FA Medical courses enhancing his portfolio.
  • He has set up and co owns a business with Chloe Bakewell Barratt in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.
  • Fraser works on and off the pitch developing, improving and maintaining players’ fitness so they can perform to their best of their ability during their time at UDA.

PLAYER WelfarE & STUDENT SUPPORT


CHLOE BAKEWELL-BArratt
​student WELFARE

  • We are proud to have Chloe as our dedicated Welfare Officer, providing care and support for American university students living and studying in the UK.
  • In this role, Chloe ensures that every student in her care feels safe, supported, and confident as they navigate life in a new country.
  • With her strong understanding of a variety of cultures, she helps students adjust to their surroundings, manage day to day challenges, and make the most of their university experience.
  • Chloe’s thoughtful and proactive approach ensures that each student and their family feels fully supported from arrival through graduation.
  • Has completed Level 3 APDL – Athlete Personal Development and Lifestyle.

BRIAN HIGGS
​student support officer & Minibus Driver

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​Brian Higgs has been a dedicated minibus driver for UDA for the past year, forging strong connections with students. Recognizing his rapport, he naturally transitioned into the role of student support within the UOG UDA organization. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Brian played football until 18 and then rugby from 23, even coaching kids for a decade. Born in Cheltenham, he knows the area well and enjoys riding his vintage motorbikes to local charity meets. Brian also has two Labernese dogs, a breed known for their gentle nature.

DR. Brian HAley
Academic, Recruitment, and Application Advisor

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Email: [email protected]
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
Global Director of Recruitment

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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. 
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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 Talent Identification

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B.Sc Capital University, Ohio
M.Ed Heidelberg University, Ohio

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​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.

ABBEY GOLDEN
Director of Talent Identification – Bath

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Abbey is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete with extensive collegiate coaching experience, having served as both an assistant and head coach. She holds a USSF B License and is a five-time Head Coach of the Year recipient, bringing over 15 years of experience across collegiate and elite club environments.
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Abbey joins UDA with a proven track record in identifying and recruiting high-level talent and will play a key role in guiding prospective student-athletes through the recruitment process, with a primary focus on supporting women’s pathway opportunities within UDA academy programs.

​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.
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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.
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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.
An Affiliate of Degree Abroad LLC, England.
​Interested in recruiting for UDA?
UDA Is Seeking Recruitment Representatives For Selected North American Regions.
Recruiter Inquiries
  • Home
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