Managing Director & Head Coach

Hi everyone! My name is Nathan and I am the owner and head coach of Next Level Football Academy. I have been coaching for well over 13 years now and have a career that spans from grassroots football all the way up to the championship. Having spent 5 years working overseas I headed back to the UK and led a community football programme for Huddersfield Town FC. After 2 great years I challenged myself and headed down to a non-league club. A short 6 months contract came to and end, I then took to leap and started Next Level! We value ourselves on being the most professional football coaching provider in the region as well as the best value for money and staying true to our tag line “Football Development for Everyone”.

Joined: July 2023

Community Development Coach & Youth Phase Lead

Hi I’m Hayden, I’ve been involved football for as long as I can remember! The first team I joined was Hillsborough Pumas, though at 4/5 years old we mainly just kicked a ball around and were getting used to the sport. Then as a Sheffield Wednesday fan, my first team whilst growing up was young owls. Along with playing for a Saturday league team called Qualitas where we played against academies across the country up till I was 16. Then I moved onto college and played there for 2 years. Following on from college, I completed my BsC (Hons) degree with the University of South Wales and completed my UEFA coaching badge. I have a big passion for player development and enjoy helping players along their journey to their end goal.

Joined: January 2025

Community Development Coach & Foundation Phase Lead

Hi, I'm coach Matt I started coach my sons team at u8s after I stopped playing myself. I have previously played for Coventry Academy in my teens and then progressed onto non-league Dronfield Town after my time in the academy. Coaching is a big passion for mine and I am really passionate about helping the younger generation of players develop. When Nathan presented me the opportunity to come on board as a coach it was one that I could not say no too!

One of my main roles at the academy is leading the foundation phase sessions during the week and ensuring that all players are developing within that phase of the academy!

Joined: April 2024

Community Development Coach & Goalkeeper Coach

How’s it going I’m Harry! I recently moved to Sheffield from Northern Ireland to take the next steps in my playing career, I saw the amazing work Next Level were doing and having previously coached back home in Northern Ireland I wanted join the team and help as many players as possible. Using all of my coaching knowledge and playing knowledge from the 2nd division in N.Ireland and implementing that into any session I lead on. Goalkeeping is a big passion of mine and I ensure that every session provides the players with the tools they need to succeed!

Joined: February 2025

Community Development Coach & Player Opportunities Lead

Hi guys, my name is Adam! I have been involved in football for over 20 years, currently I work a number of different roles including being a firefighter and a scout for the youth phase at Leeds United. Coaching has always been a passion of mine and ever since I hung my boots up I was on the look out for a role which aligned with my values as a coach. When I saw that Next Level were looking for new coaches I applied and was successful in getting the role. I look forward to every session and put lots of planning and prep into each one. I am aspiring to work within football full time in the future and with the project that Next Level are building I hope it can be here!

Joined: November 2024

Community Development Coach

Hi my name is coach Eve! I joined Next Level this summer when I was approached by the team to take on a role.

I have been coaching for many years and playing semi-professional womens football! I love coaching and showing players what they can achieve when they put their mind to it!

I am away travelling until the new year but I can’t wait to get back and see all the players again on their weekly sessions and help them on their journey in football!

I enjoy using the platform we have as coaches to inspire the next generation of female footballers and coaches!

Joined August 2025

Community Development Coach

Hi guys I’m Lauren! I joined Next Level in the summer of 2025 after the team approached me about joining the coaching set up. I have been playing football for as long as I can remember, I took up coaching while I was at Sheffield FC!

I am currently studying at Loughborough University but can’t wait to work with the players at Next Level during my breaks and when I return to Sheffield!

I also look to be a role model to any female player to show that there is more to just playing football and hopefully inspire them to look at different career options!

Joined: August 2025