Lee has worked at South Shields FC for over 8 years and has held roles as 1st Team Manager as well as Chief Executive. He has accumulated over 15 years of experience developing football academy programs and formerly worked as a Lead Coach at Newcastle United FC Academy before joining SSFC. He currently holds a UEFA A Coaching Licence.

Adam joined South Shields having previously worked for Rangers F.C where he headed up the academy and training ground operations. Adam started his career with his own sports coaching business and has consulted for many football clubs within the English football pyramid. He holds a Masters Degree in Sporting Directorship and UEFA B Coaching Licence. 

Sophie has spent 18 years playing, studying & coaching in the USA and Mexico. Her playing career includes the English Women’s Premier League, earning national teams caps with England U17-U21’s. She has amassed over 15 years of coaching experience; including US DI college, senior professional and international level. Sophie holds a BSc in Exercise Science along with her A Licence.

Matty, a former South African international and Newcastle United midfielder, returns to South Shields FC following a previous spell at the club, as a player, between 2017 - 2019. Now an A-licensed coach, Matty has made well over 100 professional appearances for the likes of Norwich City FC and Memelodi Sundowns (South Africa).

Paul joined South Shields having previously ran a football programme for a private academy. Paul has worked at Newcastle United's Academy and is working towards his UEFA A Licence. He is a former professional for Tranmere Rovers and York City before playing non-league for Blyth Spartans, Whitley Bay and Morpeth Town. Paul has won 3 FA Vase medals at Wembley stadium.

Kris started his career with Newcastle United, after being released age 16 he went on to make over 250 professional appearances most notably in Italy and Germany. Having appeared for clubs such as Seria A side Reggina, he is fluent in Italian and German and holds his UEFA B Coaching Licence.

Martin holds a Masters degree and NSCA accreditation in Strength & Conditioning and is also currently undertaking a PhD in Elite Performance, researching the underpinning performance qualities of deceleration of female footballers. Martin has 20 years of experience within professional sport, including working with national governing bodies and the Premier League.

Harry Jewitt

Duncan is a PhD graduate from the world famous Loughborough University and brings a blended approach, integrating movement, mind and emotional awareness into his coaching and teaching practice. Duncan is accredited by the Association for Coaching and has 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and more recently a Leadership and Action Learning Facilitator.

Joe holds a Masters degree in Strength & Conditioning. Joe was previously based within a physiotherapy environment providing him with a keen understanding of rehabilitation principles and applications. He has also worked within both Sunderland AFCs category 1 academy and on behalf of the Premier League delivering EPPP testing for top academies within the area.

Harry holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. He joined the club in 2023 and works across the performance analysis and recruitment departments within the International Academy. Harry plays a key role in delivering detailed video analysis to support player development in the academy. He also produces professional highlight packages for academy athletes, helping showcase their abilities and support their progression within the game.

Aaron joined the club originally as a placement as part of his business undergraduate degree, working within the commercial operations of the club. Following his placement he started working within the recruitment department of the International Academy. Aaron now looks after the Media and Operations of the International Academy.

Ben is currently working as part of the media team within the International Academy. Alongside completing his media apprenticeship with Sunderland College, Ben is a common figure on the training ground, within the gym and on match days, photographing and videoing content of our players and our social media channels.

Connor McHugh

Dale’s playing career included spells at Aldershot FC, Aldershot Town, Newcastle United, and Whitley Bay. With over 30 years of coaching experience across various Northern League teams, his career highlights include leading Morpeth Town to promotion to the Northern Premier League and guiding Gateshead to the National League Play-offs, as well as winning the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium in the 2023/24 season. In addition to his club roles, Dale serves as an Academy Coach at Newcastle United FC and runs his own goalkeeping school, Actua1ize Goalkeeping.

Former youth player at Leicester City and Mansfield Town, Jack began his coaching career in Dubai with Gulf United FC’s U21s. He has since worked with Leicester City and UE Cornella and is currently completing his UEFA A Licence. Alongside his role at South Shields, Jack also coaches Middlesbrough FC’s U15 and U16 squads, continuing his work developing talented young players.