UDA’s recruitment team brings together decades of experience across youth soccer, collegiate athletics, player development, professional soccer, and higher education.
Their role goes far beyond identifying talented players. They work directly with students and families to understand each student-athlete’s soccer ability, academic goals, character, ambitions, and overall fit for UDA.
From the first conversation through academic meetings, player evaluation, and preparation for the move to England, our recruitment team is focused on helping families make an informed decision and ensuring each student is placed in an environment where they can grow academically, athletically, and personally.
Meet the people helping guide the UDA journey from first introduction to arrival in the UK.
Their role goes far beyond identifying talented players. They work directly with students and families to understand each student-athlete’s soccer ability, academic goals, character, ambitions, and overall fit for UDA.
From the first conversation through academic meetings, player evaluation, and preparation for the move to England, our recruitment team is focused on helping families make an informed decision and ensuring each student is placed in an environment where they can grow academically, athletically, and personally.
Meet the people helping guide the UDA journey from first introduction to arrival in the UK.
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Global Director of Recruitment
JAY SPARROW 
CONTACT
BIO
Jay leads UDA's recruitment efforts across the United States, bringing extensive experience in talent identification, player development, and youth soccer leadership. Originally from England, Jay moved to Texas in 2003 and went on to lead and develop a successful U.S. soccer organization. His experience gives him a strong understanding of the youth soccer landscape and the decisions players and families face when considering what comes next. Jay oversees the recruitment process with a focus on identifying students with the ability, character, academic goals, and ambition to thrive within UDA. |
Academic Advisor
DR. BRIAN HALEY 
BIO
Brian brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education together with a background in collegiate coaching. As UDA's Academic Advisor, he works directly with prospective students and families to explore degree options, academic requirements, university pathways, and long-term goals. Brian helps ensure UDA recruits student-athletes — not simply soccer players — and that academics are considered from the beginning of the recruitment process. |
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Head of Women's Recruitment
ABBEY GOLDEN 
CONTACT
[email protected] 1 (440) 552-2224 BIO
Abbey is a former NCAA Division I student-athlete with extensive collegiate coaching experience as both an assistant and head coach. With more than 15 years of experience across collegiate and elite club environments, she brings a strong understanding of talent identification, player development, recruiting, and the transition from youth to university soccer. Abbey leads UDA's women's recruitment efforts, helping players and families determine which academic and athletic pathway best aligns with their goals. |
Regional Recruiter
IAN SCOTT 
CONTACT
BIO
Ian brings experience from both the professional game in England and elite youth soccer development in the United States. A former professional player with Manchester City, Stoke City, and Bury, Ian has also held academy coaching roles in England and leadership positions within U.S. youth soccer. His experience across different levels of the game gives him a valuable perspective when identifying players with the ability, potential, mindset, and readiness to take their next step. |
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Regional Recruiter
MARTIN DELL 
CONTACT
BIO
Martin brings more than 30 years of experience in soccer coaching, player development, and leadership. As head coach at Louisburg College, he led the men's soccer program to its first NJCAA Division I National Championship and earned multiple coaching honors, including National Coach of the Year. His experience also includes collegiate soccer, elite youth development, ODP, and club leadership, giving him a broad perspective on what players need to progress successfully into the university environment. |
Regional Recruiter
JUSTIN DEVORAK CONTACT
BIO
Justin offers prospective students something particularly valuable: firsthand experience of the UDA journey. A University of Chester graduate and former UDA player, Justin studied Biology and Conservation Genetics while competing within the UDA Chester program. Having made the move from U.S. youth soccer to studying and playing in England himself, Justin helps prospective student-athletes understand both the opportunities and realities of taking this path. |