Managing Director & Head Coach

Hi, 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

Hey everyone, I’m Sam! I have been playing football for as long as I can remember, I always knew from my early teens that I wanted to work within football. I decided that coaching was the route for me and started coaching from as young as 13! I trained in a few different RTC’s growing up which exposed me to high level football coaching. As soon as I left school I got my first full time role in football for a company in Barnsley. When Nathan approached me about the project and the role I could play I jumped on board as soon as possible. Being able to work within Schools and help players develop their football in the evenings is exactly what I’ve been wanting too do since I was a teenager!

Joined: October 2024

Community Development Coach

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!

Joined: April 2024

Community Development Coach

Hi I am Harvey! I have been playing football with a young age and come from a family of footballers! I have played for a number of academies over the years before moving to Sheffield for University to study Air Traffic Control Management. I have coached at a number of clubs before as an emerging talent centre coach. When Nathan asked if I wanted to lead on a number of sessions last year I jumped onboard straight away. Using my history of playing and coaching experience to help each player on one of my sessions become the best version of themselves.

Joined: July 2024

Community Development Coach

I’m Alex, I have been involved in football for as long as I can remember. I have played at Semi-Pro level before and coached at a number of clubs including some in League 2! Using all of my coaching knowledge and real life playing knowledge to help ensure every player comes away from each session having improved. I pride myself on taking each players development seriously so that they have the tools to help develop their skills!

Joined: April 2024

Community Development 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

Hi Max here! I joined Next Level as a junior coach in the summer of 2024! I have always wanted to get into coaching but never really had the pathway to do so! Nathan offered me an opportunity and I took it and started to develop my skills and knowledge by working alongside all of the coaches. Due to my full time work I have had to take a step back from the regular coaching but am hoping by the summer to be back on the weekly sessions!

Joined: August 2024

Community Development Coach

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 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