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.

Andre Tulip is a Chartered Physiotherapist, with over 18 years experience in Physiotherapy. He has helped professional athletes from many of the North Easts men’s and Women’s professional football clubs. He studied in the USA for his Exercise Science degree as a scholar athlete and was an integral team member of a championship winning team from Carson Newman University in Tennessee 2000.

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 football club in 2023 working across the video/performance analysis and recruitment departments of the International Academy. Harry also creates highlight packages for student athletes to help facilitate their next steps in their football journey.

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.

Lucie joined the International Office at the University of Sunderland in 2019. She has supported students throughout the process of applying to study in the UK from regions including the Middle East & North Africa, America and Europe, assisting students with the application, visa and arrival process. She is the main university contact for the program.

Phil is an ex-professional goalkeeper who started his playing career at Sunderland AFC before Exeter City FC and Scarborough Athletic FC. Phil has been at SSFC since 2017 and is the Head Goalkeeper Coach for our 1st Team and our domestic U16-U19 Academy. Phil is a UEFA B Licence Coach and is responsible for delivering the goalkeeper specific sessions for our International Academy goalkeepers.

Jon holds an MSc in Strength and Conditioning. Prior to working for Martin Nugent Elite Performance, Jon was the Head of Strength and Conditioning for the North East’s only professional rugby league club, Newcastle Thunder. This experience allowed Jon to work with players from all over the world.