Announcement: Steve Lilley Joins UDA UoG as Program Director

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Lilley as the new Program Director for UDA UoG!

Steve 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.

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:

•  Program Director at University Degrees Abroad (UDA)
•  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 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:

• Lloyd Kelly (Juventus FC)
• Luke Berry (Charlton Athletic FC)
• Dominic Dwyer (Oakland Roots FC)
• Carlton Morris (Luton Town FC)
• Shaun Pearson (Grimsby Town FC)
• Zac Mills (Boston Utd FC)
• Naomi Lazell (Manchester City WFC)
• Lauren Hemp (Manchester City WFC, England International)

Coaches & Academy Directors:

• Matt Gill (Former Southampton FC)
• Tom Pell (Academy Manager, Charlton Athletic FC)
• Matt Dye (Academy Manager, Wycombe Wanderers FC)
• Dan Macnamara (Wolves WFC)
• Lauren Smith (England Women U19)
• Marie Hourihan (Stoke City WFC)
• Natalie Haigh (Bristol City WFC)

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: 

• Player Development & Coaching Oversight – Ensuring the highest coaching standards and individualized development plans for every player.
• Program Management & Recruitment – Creating clear pathways for student-athletes to progress both academically and athletically.
• Elite Match & Competition Planning – Organizing competitive fixtures that challenge players and prepare them for the next level.
• Student Support & Experience – Championing student welfare and enhancing their experience both on and off the pitch.

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! 
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#WelcomeSteve #UDAUoG #ElitePlayerDevelopment #CoachingExcellence