 We are pleased to announce the launch of the UDA Parent Advisory Board (PAB) — a new initiative led by a committed group of parent volunteers who are passionate about supporting the success and well-being of all student-athletes at the UDA Soccer Academy.
The PAB functions as an independent, parent-led advisory body. While officially recognized by UDA, the board operates autonomously and is not managed by Academy staff. No UDA staff members serve on the board, making this a truly grassroots, family-driven initiative. The board’s mission is to foster open and meaningful dialogue between parents and UDA leadership, offering a collaborative space for questions, feedback, and ideas that can enhance the student experience. Currently in its foundational phase, the PAB is actively developing its structure, goals, and procedures to best serve the UDA community. The PAB maintains regular communication with UDA Program Director, Steve Lilley, as well as other Academy staff members, to ensure transparency and alignment. Parents are welcome to reach out to the PAB with questions, suggestions, or expressions of interest in getting involved by emailing [email protected]. As fellow UDA parents, the PAB asks that all communications remain respectful and constructive as we work together to enrich the Academy journey for every student-athlete. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Active PAB Members:
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 We are delighted to announce that Aneaka Reay-Kemp will join UDA Soccer at the University of Gloucestershire as our new Head of Women’s Academy.
Director Steve Lilley personally recruited Aneaka for her exceptional leadership qualities. “Aneaka is an ideal role model for our UDA women,” Steve said. “Her military background brings discipline, focus, commitment, and professionalism—exactly what we want in our student‑athlete experience.” Aneaka was identified through the Powerhouse Project Cohort (supported by the English FA and Nike) as a coach with outstanding potential. “I’ve seen her in action in my role as a Coach Educator,” Steve added. “Her enthusiasm, tactical insight, and genuine passion for developing players—both on and off the pitch—are second to none. Aneaka also coaches with the British Army Women’s Senior Squad and is completing her UEFA B Licence.” Aneaka shared her excitement: “I’m eager to begin working with the UDA women and grateful for Steve’s mentorship. I’ve coached high‑performance athletes before, and I can’t wait to help these players grow—both as footballers and as people. I’m fully committed to unlocking their full potential.” Please join us in welcoming Aneaka to UDA UoG as we embark on this exciting new chapter for our UoG Women’s Academy!
Extensive Experience in Player & Coach Development
Steve has dedicated his career to developing footballers and mentoring coaches, holding key leadership roles in both professional academies and national coaching organizations, including:
Through these roles, Steve has been instrumental in licensing and mentoring aspiring coaches, designing elite training programs, and supporting both men’s and women’s football development at the highest levels. A Full-Time Commitment to Player Development At UDA, Steve will be working full-time across the academy program, ensuring that every player has the tools, coaching, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping individualized development pathways for both men’s and women’s players, helping them progress to the next level. With an extensive professional network in the football world, Steve will create elite opportunities for student-athletes, connecting them with clubs, coaches, and organizations to maximize their career prospects. His expertise in player progression, talent identification, and high-performance coaching will be a major asset to the program. Players & Coaches Steve Has Positively Impacted Steve has played a key role in the development of numerous professional players and coaches, including: Current & Former Professional Footballers:
Coaches & Academy Directors:
Testimonials from Those Who Know Steve Best “Steve introduced me to the principles of coaching early on in my career, and I still adhere to those principles today. He has acted as a sounding board throughout my coaching journey and is always on hand to offer guidance and support.” — Tom Pell, Academy Manager at Charlton Athletic FC “Steve is an excellent coach developer who strives to support coaches to be the best they can. I really valued the support from Steve whilst I was completing my FA Youth Award, and he helped me to specifically focus on stretching and challenging individuals within my delivery.” — Sarah Lawler-Edwards, FA Talent Technical Coach “Steve has had a massive influence on me as a person, player, and now a coach—I cannot recommend him enough, as his qualities as a coach developer and a human are outstanding.” — Matt Dye, Academy Manager at Wycombe Wanderers FC As Program Director, Steve Will Oversee:
Steve’s commitment to player success, extensive football network, and expertise in football education make him a fantastic addition to the UDA team. Please join us in welcoming Steve Lilley to UDA UoG! #WelcomeSteve #UDAUoG #ElitePlayerDevelopment #CoachingExcellence  The UDA GCAFC development team lifted the Hellenic League Cup this weekend with a 3-2 win over Headington in Bristol. In an excellent team performance with many outstanding displays, Jaxon Hundt (South Bend, Indiana) scored the winning goal in the 88th minute. With a clever run, Hundt split the Headington defense on a through pass from Chris Patterson (Cibolo, Texas) and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. Hundt made his first-team debut last week for GCAFC's first team in their County Cup win and continued his scoring run in the Hellenic Cup final with two goals. After falling behind twice in the game, goals from Jaxon, assisted by Caleb Thomas (Bothell, Washington) and Shane Pierson (Albuquerque, New Mexico), brought the game level. Shane scored on the far post after a corner delivery from Michael Patterson (Cibolo, Texas). Jax’s first goal came from another well-timed run on a through pass from Caleb Thomas. UDA GCAFC controlled most of the second half with good passing and combinations. Dylan Reetz (San Antonio, Texas) made critical saves in the second half to keep the score level. Ty Lake (Reno, Nevada), who also made his first-team debut last week, provided some excellent defending; he was well supported in defense by Mikkiel Graham (Pikesville, Maryland), who offered good cover and support when needed.  Michael Patterson not only assisted a goal, but also controlled the center of midfield with clever running and passing, keeping UDA GCAFC’s momentum moving forward with solid supporting performances from Alexis Marquex (Mercedes, Texas) and Caleb Thomas. The team's victory was not just their own but a testament to the unwavering support of the UDA community. UDA students and university friends made the trip to Bristol, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the team. The final whistle was met with excited celebrations, a true reflection of the team culture, unity, and spirit the UDA GCAFC coaches and staff have built this past year. Ryan Davies, UDA head coach, said, “A great team performance, coming back from twice behind to win the cup, shows the growth and resilience of the players, especially with some first-year players on the squad. We will enjoy this for now but will work to push on the player's development as we look to next year.” UDA Football Director Dave Nichols said, “Everyone played their part today. All credit the players for their commitment, skill, discipline, and tactical awareness. This is a great achievement as we won the cup, with mainly first-year students coming to the UDA Academy. Credit to the coaching staff and the willingness of the players to take on board what the coaches have instilled in them. However, we now push on for next year and look to return when the new season arrives. I am excited to see where these players can play next year.” Congratulations to UDA’s Head Coach, Ryan Davies, and UDA Football Director, Dave Nichols, and all the players and staff on a memorable end to the season. Gloucester City end their 23/24 season with silverware after 5-4 penalty shootout victory against Bishops Cleeve in the Gloucestershire County Cup final at the TigerTurf stadium, after drawing 2-2 in normal time. Mike Cook made five changes from his side's last league game of the season on Saturday with Ty Lake and Teddy Rowe filling in at full back, Elliott Durrell returned to the starting 11 in place of the injured Josh Smile. Cleeve enjoyed an early spell of possession and came really close to breaking the deadlock after Ross Langworthy found himself through on goal but couldn't pull off the audacious backheel. Brandon Smalley came desperately close to putting City a goal up after winger struck the bar on 28 minutes. City did take the lead on 36 minutes thanks toa delightful set piece delivered by Elliott Durrell, which was headed towards the back post by Theo Robinson, giving the Cleeve goalkeeper no chance. Lake eased off his man brilliantly to deny Cleeve another good chance shortly before the halftime whistle.  Danny Wright asserted himself throughout the game as the veteran striker displayed some brilliant hold up play causing problems for Cleeve defenders throughout the match. Jared Thompson made a hand full of saves as the game went on to keep City going throughout. Cleeve did get their equaliser on 68 minutes as Langworthy tapped home from close range thanks to a well worked move down the left-hand side from the visitors. City came so close to regaining the lead on 76 minutes after another brilliant Durrell delivery was seen out for a corner, as the Cleeve defender ushered the ball just over the bar. Minutes later though Cleeve would take the lead as Malshanskyj lobbed the ball over Thompson from just outside the City box. Two of our UDA Gloucester players, Jax and Ty represented UDA and GCAFC during the match. Ty made his first start, and Jax making his first team debut. "I could not have imagined making my debut at a closer or bigger game being a cup final and going to penalties. It was a thrill being in during the pens and knowing that it might come down to my turn. The celebrations after winning, including the pictures with the team, medals, and cup were so exciting. I have been training with this team for almost the whole season in anticipation of this moment to actually play in a game; what a way to end the season with what feels like the start of my career!” - Jax Hundt , UDA Student-Athlete  Thomposn pulled off a brilliant save at his near post to keep City in the match late on, followed by another close range stop to deny Cleeve making it a two goal advantage. Some individual brilliance from Rowe meant the ball fell to Brandon Smalley inside the box, as he flashed an effort across goal which went narrowly wide. City manged to find their equaliser in the 93rd minute as Theo Robinson scored his brace getting on the end of Durrell's lovely weighted through ball and dispatching with ease around the keeper to send the game to penalties. Wright had another headed effort as added time winded down, but his shot flew over the bar. Cleeve missed three spot kicks in the shootout as club captain Spencer Hamilton tucked away the winning penalty to bring Home the Gloucestershire County Cup. Following the match, shootout-hero Hamilton received an award for making his 150th City appearance this season. Harry Pinchard was awarded with player's, manager's and fan's player of the season, with Harry Emmett picking up young player of the season.
GCAFC Gains a UDA Student-AthleteJax Hundt, our University of Gloucester student-athlete, has signed to play soccer at the next level with Gloucester City AFC. Jax is a 19 year-old first-year studying sports business management from South Bend, IN. "Signing means that not only did I make it, but also that every coach who gave me a chance and every teammate who had faith in me made it all possible. It was the perfect combination of blessings from God, sacrifices from my family, and opportunities seized."  Jaxson has been working hard with our coaching staff and deserves this opportunity to move on and up! We're so excited for Jax to be one of our first student-athletes to sign a pro contract.
"I am lucky enough to have a community in Indiana who love me and believe in me. I could not have anticipated Gloucester making me feel so welcomed and trusted. I want to thank UDA, especially Chris Hill, for making these connections possible. I have a lot of people who have helped me reach my goals and live my dreams, so I promise that I will always work hard." We know Jax has what it takes to shine at this next level, and as a UDA community, we can't wait to cheer him on! This winter break, Jax Hundt stayed on campus and spent his time training with the GCAFC First Team. Jax has had the opportunity to train with the Firsts before, but this time he was able to spend even more time with the team and coaching staff. "Getting my initial chance to be a part of the First Team’s game subs was proof that hard work pays off! Before that I had had the privilege to practice with them a few times and then I had the honor to be a part of the team on game day versus Bristol City. The atmosphere and pace are exactly what I have been looking forward to. I respect their competitive nature because it reflects my own. I long for the physicality and aggressive level of their play." Jax isn't the only UDA student-athlete who has been able to train with the First Team. We've had several student-athletes who have all been invited to spend a few training sessions at the next level. Over winter break, Jax trained with the First Team during every practice. "I got to warm-up with them twice before their games and I even traveled to an away game with their captain Hanksy and Spencer. I always feel welcomed by the players and coaches. The way they prepare before the games is similar to a whole elite training session. I definitely feel like I belong and fit in as a part of the team and I am extremely excited for more opportunities to play with the first team and to get to have big moments with them!" Thank you Jax for sharing your winter break experience with us! This is just one example of the opportunities our student-athletes have when they take their university and soccer experience abroad.  After an extensive search, we are pleased to announce that Ryan Davies who holds a B.Sc Sports Coaching from the University of South Wales is joining the UDA Academy at the University of Gloucestershire on December 1st. Mal Saville, Program Director at UDA Gloucester and John Dyke, Program Director at UDA Chester oversaw the process and helped select Ryan from a pool of exceptional candidates.  Ryan joins us from Cardiff City Football Club where he held the position as Foundation Phase Academy Coach and Multi Sport Coach for the Community Foundation. During his time at Cardiff, Ryan was the Talent Identification Scout, Head of Development Centre, and held various coaching positions. He also has experience working as the Head of Women's and Girls' Football at Merthyr Town Football Club, as well as the Women's First Team Manager. Outside of working closely with our Program Director, Ryan will work with all UDA students in the Academy. He will be primarily responsible for the UDA development team in the Hellenic league but will offer technical and functional sessions to all UDA students as needed. As a coach with a degree in sports coaching, Ryan will also oversee strength and conditioning, offer sports psychology, and diet and nutrition sessions. Welcome to UDA, Ryan! ➡️ Read more about Ryan's credentials.  Gloucester City Women have reached the Third Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup for the first time, following a 2-0 win over Bath City Women – in front of a record crowd at the TigerTurf Stadium. Goals from Kally Lloyd and Rakiya Morgan-King were enough to see Gloucester claim victory in a fairly scrappy cup tie, as an attendance of 187 looked on. The attendance is the third time this season that Gloucester City Women have broken their own record, having seen crowds of 142 and 150 in their two previous home matches. Alongside the crowd numbers, City have now beaten their best run in the Women’s FA Cup, which came in the 2021/22 season, when they were beaten at this stage by Ilminster Town. The hosts started fast, with Maggie Neall sending a free kick over the bar inside the first three minutes. Then on 11 minutes a corner was swung into the box and Kally Lloyd’s header looped up and landed over the line, despite a scramble of bodies trying to keep it out. The goal settled City down and it should have been made two soon after, but Meg Prout did everything right bar the finish after shrugging off a defender, before sliding an effort off the foot of the far post. Prout went close again just before half time, but skied her effort from Lloyd’s pull back. Beth Davies dribbled forward from midfield on the brink of the break, but her effort was deflected wide for a corner. It hadn’t been a typically efficient City performance, but they were ahead at the break. Paige Todd found herself in down the left moments after the restart, but flashed her effort across goal, before Lloyd found herself in a similar position on the right hand side, but had her effort blocked by the feet of Bath City keeper, Sadie Farley.
Farley was called into action again just after the hour mark, as she palmed a header away as City went in search of their second. Todd skipped past her marker again moments later after cutting the ball across goal from the byline, substitute Kacie Anderson somehow turned the ball wide from about two yards. The longer the game stayed 1-0, the more nervy the TigerTurf Stadium became in the final quarter of an hour – especially after Bath began to push further forward. Tara Taylor tested Ashli Whitbury with a curling effort from the edge of the box. With five minutes left on the clock, Todd found space down the left again and crossed for Morgan-King, who produced a great first touch to create space to blast home past Farley. The victory earns Gloucester City Women a place in the hat for the Third Qualifying Round draw, with the next round on Sunday 22 October and takes their earnings for this season’s cup run to a guaranteed £5800 as it stands. Next up for Gloucester City Women is a tough test with the visit of Bitton Ladies to the TigerTurf Stadium, next weekend. Gloucester City Women: Whitbury, Golding, Neall, Davies, Lloyd, Todd, Slanina-Wertz, Fuks, Ross, Esplin, Prout Subs: Ambrey, Kantorowicz, Lewis, Morgan-King, Anderson, Simmons, Hancock Bath City Women: Farley, Wells, Bellotti, Gray, Harris, Taylor, Harvey, Key, Goater, Wright, Sabic Subs: Black, Jefferies C Martin Roofing Player of the Match – Ainsley Fuks (Gloucester City Women) At UDA, our commitment to student success goes beyond the pitch. To help our students develop personal and professional growth during their university experience and beyond, we developed the Dream Maker Program alongside the UDA SUCCESS Foundation. The Dream Maker Program is dedicated to fostering the personal and professional growth of our student-athletes, helping them collaborate with their universities’ career and employability resources so they can grow their employability opportunities post graduation. Developed and led by Dr. Scott Johnson, in alignment with the visionary goals set by UDA founder Dr. Brian Haley, this program aims to equip UDA students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.  The UDA Circle of SuccessThe Dream Maker Program is designed to provide UDA students with a holistic approach to personal and professional development. By offering mentorship, guidance, and resources, the program sets UDA students on a path to success. From their university studies to post-graduation, students benefit from the expertise and support provided by the program. Supporting Career DevelopmenT The Dream Maker Program collaborates closely with the Careers Offices and Employability Resources of universities our students attend. This collaboration offers our students ongoing individual student relationships, group conversations, presentations, support building a portfolio, application guidance, job search tools, and advice and insight from alumni and industry experts. With these resources, our students are prepared with the necessary tools to navigate the job market successfully. Meet Dr. Scott Johnson, CEO of the UDA SUCCESS Foundation Heading the Dream Maker Program is Dr. Scott Johnson. Holding a Ph.D. in management and marketing from Arizona State University, an MBA in international business from the University of San Francisco, and a BS in business administration-marketing from California State University, Fresno, Dr. Johnson brings a diverse range of knowledge to the program.
Having taught at the University of Greenwich in the UK, Dr. Johnson has a deep understanding of the European academic landscape. His experience in designing professional development and leadership courses, building external partnerships, and conducting assessment centers and team-building activities for students has equipped him with invaluable insights into employability. Dr. Johnson's extensive background as a marketing executive and his three-decade-long tenure as a professor, program director, and business school Dean have allowed him to advise hundreds of students on career preparation and oversee their internships. By leveraging each student's unique experiences and strengths, Dr. Johnson fosters their career readiness competencies through supportive feedback and networking opportunities. Our Dream Maker Program demonstrates our commitment to the comprehensive development of our student-athletes. Through close collaboration with universities, personalized mentorship, and access to industry insights, the program equips UDA students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Under the guidance of Dr. Scott Johnson, the Dream Maker Program has become a cornerstone of UDA's commitment to empowering its students both during their university journey and beyond. For more information about the Dream Maker Program, please reach out to Dr. Scott Johnson at [email protected]. |
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