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UDA Program Director
JOHN DYKE 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
Head of Coaching
JAMIE FITZPATRICK 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
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Head of Women's Football
JAMIE EVANS 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
Royals Head Coach
MATT GREGORY 
CONTACT
BIO
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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Women's Coach
FAYE BUTLER 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
Coach
GEORGE STEELE 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
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Physiotherapy
CHRIS IRELAND 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
Physiotherapy
SOPHIE DUTTON 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
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Sports Injury Management
MARTIN FEAST 
CONTACT
BIO
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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Sports Scientist / Fitness Trainer
KERRY MORRIS 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
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Sports Scientist
ERIN WHITEHEAD 
CONTACT
BIO
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. |
Head of Student Support
JENNIFER MURRAY 
CONTACT
BIO
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.” |