Russell Hullett - Technical Director

We are proud to welcome Russell Hullett as the Technical Director of our football academy, bringing an unparalleled level of expertise and experience to our programme. As Lead Coach, Russ will deliver daily training sessions, shaping the next generation of student-athletes with his wealth of football knowledge.

With 30 years in professional football, Russ began his career locally at Derby County FC before playing and managing in Southeast Asia. A UEFA A-qualified coach, he is among the select UK coaches to study in the Netherlands, earning the prestigious KNVB International Coaching License while working with world-renowned academies Ajax and Feyenoord.

Russ’s coaching career has seen him in senior coaching and scouting roles at top European clubs, including Manchester United FC, Aston Villa FC, and Nottingham Forest FC. He has also served as Head Coach of Lillehammer FK (Norway) and Academy Manager at Notts County FC, the world’s oldest professional club.

Most recently, Russ led a joint programme with Chelsea FC across Scandinavia as Lead Head Coach and Partnership Manager. In addition, he works for the England FA as a Regional Coach Developer, mentoring the next generation of England coaches. His extensive experience in football and education programmes includes serving as Head of Women’s Football at Oxford University.

With his unrivaled expertise and passion for player development, Russ is a valuable asset to our academy, helping us shape the UK’s most advanced football and education programme.

Jamie Bennett - Director of Talent (Development & Pathways)

We are delighted to have Jamie Bennett as our Head of Scholarships, providing student-athletes with an unrivaled pathway to USA soccer scholarships. With extensive experience and a proven track record, Jamie ensures that students receive the best possible support in securing opportunities at top US colleges and universities.

A former scholar who studied in North Carolina, Jamie has firsthand knowledge of the scholarship process, allowing him to create a student-focused pathway that simplifies applications and removes stress for applicants. His expertise includes tailored training, showcase matches in front of recruiters, and the optional annual USA College Tour, where players experience college life, compete against college and NextGen teams, and meet recruiters face-to-face.

As a former professional footballer and football club owner, Jamie is widely respected in both the football and scholarship sectors. His dedication has led to the successful placement of over 1,000 students in top US scholarship programmes, making him an invaluable asset to our academy and student-athletes.