|
Following last season’s pilot match against Derby County FC U18s, we’re excited to announce the official launch of the Men’s High-Performance Squad for the 2025/26 season — an opportunity designed to challenge and develop players who consistently excel both on and off the field.
The UDA High-Performance Squad will include standout players from both the University of Chester (UoC) and University of Gloucestershire (UoG) programs who demonstrate exceptional performance in training and competition, as well as strong professionalism and leadership away from the game. To be considered, players must:
Program Touchpoints
Please note: The squad will not be fixed. Players selected for Touchpoint 1 (invites going out this week) are not guaranteed future selection, and players not initially chosen will have opportunities to earn a place later in the season. This initiative represents an exciting collaboration between our programs, providing a platform for our top-performing players to experience a more professional environment and accelerated development. As our Women’s Programs continue to grow, we plan to introduce a similar opportunity for them in the near future.
0 Comments
UDA Gloucestershire Women Announce Official Development Partnership with Cheltenham Town Women FC5/30/2025  The UDA Gloucestershire Women’s program is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Cheltenham Town Women Football Club, making UDA the club’s official development team. This agreement creates a performance-driven pathway for student-athletes to compete at one of the highest levels of the women’s game, while pursuing their academic degrees through the University of Gloucestershire. “This opportunity to be paired with a Tier Three club in the National League provides greater potential for player development than what is typically available through local grassroots football,” said Brian Haley, Executive Director of UDA. “Our players will now have access to a professional environment that matches their ambitions and supports their growth both on and off the pitch.” The partnership, signed this week by Haley and CTWFC Chair Andy Liddle, provides UDA student-athletes with access to Cheltenham Town Women’s coaching staff, shared training sessions, and the opportunity to be selected for the first-team squad. Under the leadership of UDA Program Director Steve Lilley, the relationship will ensure UDA women are integrated into a performance-oriented, well-structured academy environment. “This is a significant step toward fulfilling UDA’s commitment to top-tier training and competitive matches,” Haley added. “It aligns perfectly with the high standards our U.S.-based recruitment team seeks. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship — allowing Cheltenham Town Women to access a pipeline of promising talent, while our players are challenged to reach their full potential.” The partnership is further elevated by the appointment of Aneaka Reay-Kemp as head coach. Reay-Kemp, a standout female coach and participant in the Powerhouse Project supported by The FA and Nike, brings elite coaching and mentorship to the UDA women’s program. “Steve Lilley has put together a fantastic multi-disciplinary coaching team for women,” Haley noted. “With Aneaka’s leadership and the support of the UDA and Cheltenham Town staff, the program now meets all the needs for top-class player development.” Haley concluded, “We’re very excited to get started — especially with the talented incoming class of student-athletes and our returning players in September. They’ll be stepping into a true high-performance football and academic environment.” About UDA Gloucestershire
UDA (University Degrees Abroad) partners with the University of Gloucestershire to provide student-athletes with the opportunity to pursue their degrees while training and competing at a high level of football. The UDA model emphasizes education, personal development, and elite performance. About Cheltenham Town Women FC Cheltenham Town Women FC competes in the FA Women’s National League (Tier Three), providing a high-performance environment for players aspiring to reach the top levels of the women’s game. We are excited to share the details of a successful end-of-season trip to Portugal by UDA students from the Chester and Gloucestershire academies. Nineteen students and five staff members traveled to the Beira Mar football club in Aveiro, Portugal. The club's CE, Pedro, and owner, Breno, warmly welcomed the students, who had previously attended the UDA Cup to scout potential players and learn more about the UDA program.  During their visit, the students had the opportunity to play against the club's reserve team. They secured an impressive 4-3 victory, leaving a positive impression on the club's staff. This marks an encouraging first step in developing a relationship for our UDA students. Beyond their training and match at the club, the students also enjoyed exploring the local area, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," and had some valuable downtime on the beach.  Steve Lilley, Program Director at the University of Gloucestershire, commented, "I’ve been on dozens of tours over the years and this was among the most successful. Our hosts were incredibly welcoming, and the facilities were fantastic. In addition, those players representing UDA conducted themselves brilliantly on and off the pitch. I look forward to our relationship with Beira Mar blossoming over the next few years - they are an extremely forward-thinking club and match our culture and values.” John Dyke, Program Director at the University of Chester, added, "Reflecting on our recent trip to Portugal, I'm thrilled to see our UDA students showcase their talent on the field and provide an opportunity for UDA to build meaningful connections with the Beira Mar football club. This relationship marks a significant step in creating pathways for our students, blending football with cultural exploration. It’s moments like these that truly enrich player experiences."  UDA is pleased to announce that next year's program will include an opportunity for UDA women at the Gloucestershire and Chester academies to showcase their talents in Portugal. This initiative underscores UDA's mission to broaden our students' social and cultural experiences while providing valuable field opportunities.
 UDA is proud to announce a new 10-year partnership with Viney St Swithins Sports Club, which will officially become the match day home for UDA teams beginning in the 2025/26 season.
This exciting collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide student-athletes with a high-performance football environment alongside an internationally recognized university degree through the University of Gloucestershire. Our relationship with Viney St Swithins began organically last year, following a County Cup fixture. It quickly became clear that we share a strong alignment in values and vision — not only in football development, but also in community-building and long-term investment in sport. Together, we are committed to creating a hub for elite football and community engagement. What This Means for UDA:
“We are thrilled to call Viney St Swithins our new match day home,” said Brian Haley, Executive Director of UDA. “Their vision for growth and excellence matches our own, and this partnership allows us to build something special together. It’s a home our players, coaches, and supporters can be proud of.” This partnership ensures that UDA student-athletes will continue to face strong competition and have the support, facilities, and visibility they need to thrive both academically and athletically. We look forward to officially launching this partnership in the 2025/26 season and building a future of success — on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. We are delighted to welcome Dave Cornock to the UDA Gloucester Men's Academy Coaching Staff.
"Dave is a coach I have admired since we first worked together on his FA L2 qualification - he was the standout learner in his cohort, with his bubbly personality and knowledge of the game. Having gained success in the Gloucestershire area over the last few years, both in terms of league and cup success but also helping to develop young players in the senior game, Dave is understandably sought after by local clubs. Therefore, I am delighted to have attracted Dave to our Men`s program - he will add so much to what is already a fabulous coaching team here at UDA Glos" stated Steve Lilley, UDA Gloucester Program Director. "I'm excited to be joining UDA for the start of the 2025/26 season. I've got to know the staff and players over the last few months and they have so much potential that I am enthused about helping them fulfil. I'm very close to gaining my UEFA B coaching qualification and can't wait to bring some of my new ideas to life with a fantastic group of players," Dave stated. Please join us in welcoming Dave to UDA UoG!  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:
 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.
|
Archives
October 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
|
An Affiliate of Degree Abroad LLC, England.
|
Interested in recruiting for UDA?
UDA Is Seeking Recruitment Representatives For Selected North American Regions.
|