The Football Academy

David Cornwell - Academy Director (Boys & Girls)

As a former Southend United player who holds the UEFA ‘A’ coaching license, David has coached in the UK for Tottenham Hotspur and helped develop both female and male players in the USA as a Director of Coaching. David is influential in progressing players both academically and through football and also manages many of the apprenticeship programmes on offer. He has relationships with universities and employers and is able to offer advice and guidance once a player's college course is complete.

Kirk Game - Academy Coach (Boys)

Kirk is a former professional footballer, holds the UEFA ‘A’ coaching license, and qualified as a personal trainer (including level 4 strength and conditioning). He played for Southend United FC and Colchester United FC and later for a number of semi-professional clubs that included Dartford FC, Chelmsford City FC, Heybridge Swifts FC, Dagenham & Redbridge FC, Billericay Town FC and Braintree Town FC. Kirk has coached at West Ham United's Academy and has played an instrumental part in the development of players who now play in the Premier League & Football League.

Stuart Slater - Academy Coach (Boys)

Stuart is a former professional footballer and holds the UEFA ‘B' coaching license. He played for West Ham United, Celtic, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Watford, as well as representing England at under-21 and B level. He later played for a number of semi-professional clubs that included Forest Green Rovers, Aberystwyth Town, Weston-super-Mare and Wivenhoe Town. Stuart has coached at West Ham United's Academy and has a wealth of experience developing players who now play Premier League & Football League clubs.

Paul Taylor - Academy Coach (Boys)

Paul is a former Physical Education and Sports Science teacher with over 25 years experience. Paul holds a UEFA 'C' coaching licence coach and played semi-professional football for Billericay Town, Chelmsford City, Braintree Town and Newcastle Town. Paul has coached and managed adults and child teams at recreational and representative levels for many years. Paul is an important part of our team who develops players and also gives advice and guidance for those wishing to progress their studies in Sport.

Kyle Jeffery - Academy Coach (Boys & Girls)

Kyle is a passionate and experienced football coach with a Sports Development and Coaching Sciences degree from Bournemouth University. With a solid background in the game, having played semi-professional football for several years, Kyle brings firsthand knowledge of the sport to his coaching. He has extensive experience working with young athletes across various secondary schools and colleges, where he’s developed a keen ability to nurture talent and foster a love for the game - committed to empowering the next generation of footballers, Kyle is dedicated to helping players achieve their full potential both on and off the pitch!

Hugo Skepelhorn - Academy Assistant Coach (Boys)

Having spent his early footballing years at West Ham United’s Academy, Hugo possesses the knowledge and talent to successfully assist our academy players on their footballing journeys. Progressing through the ranks, Hugo signed his first contract at age 17 with Chelmsford City FC, in which he quickly made his debut and impressively scored within the first few minutes of playing senior football. As a former semi-professional footballer, Hugo has made numerous appearances in the National League South and is excited to now coach the next generation.

Danny Parker - Academy Coach (Girls)

Danny holds the UEFA 'B' and FA Youth Award, and has vast experience in coaching football to varying age groups and abilities. Danny has coached in the elite girls game for 9 years with Essex Regional Talent Club and is proud to have worked with players who have progressed from grassroots to senior football.

Beau Parker - Academy Coach (Girls)

Beau is a Billericay Town first team player having previously played for Crystal Palace, Enfield Town, and Gillingham. Beau has experience of progressing through the ranks of an academy scheme, and as a former scholar and senior player this helps spur on our aspiring young players.

Dan Worthington - Academy Goalkeeper Coach (Boys & Girls)

Dan is a highly experienced and qualified coach who holds UEFA 'B' coaching licenses for goalkeeping and outfield players. He is a former West Ham United and Dagenham & Redbridge academy goalkeeper coach, and he has developed players who have signed for professional football 'category 1' academies.

Vince Nicoll - Academy Goalkeeper Coach (Boys & Girls)

Vince is a former semi-professional footballer and holds the London FA Goalkeeping Certificate and UEFA 'C' coaching licenses for goalkeeping and outfield players. After retiring as a player, Vince gained a wealth of experience developing players at a number of independent soccer schools, semi-professional clubs and academies, and many now play at a high senior level. Vince is a highly regarded member of our team who always brings enthusiasm and motivation to his coaching sessions.