MEET THE TEAM OF LOCAL PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL COACHES
OUR COACHES HAVE WALKED THE TALK
At the heart of our Academy is a handpicked team of local professional football coaches, personally selected by our Founder & Team Principal, Adam Clayton.
Each coach brings their own expertise, passion and commitment to nurturing talent. Together, they form a powerhouse of knowledge, experience and mentorship.
ADAM CLAYTON
Team Principal & Founder
After a standout playing career with Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, and Middlesbrough, Adam now leads our team of local professional football coaches with passion and purpose.
Why I love football coaching... “I want every player to enjoy learning — because when football’s fun, improvement follows.”
STEVE EYRE
Lead Coach and Mentor
With over 30 years of experience - including 21 at Manchester City’s Academy - Steve has helped shape players like Phil Foden, Kieran Trippier and Adam himself.
Why I love football coaching... “Football’s about people. I’ve known Adam since he was 8 — now we’re helping the next generation grow.”
STEVE TORPEY
Academy / Lead Coach
Steve Torpey brings a strong track record in working with developing players. His coaching style is built on technical foundations, tactical awareness, and encouraging creativity in attack. He is a vital member of our coaching staff, pushing players to strive for continuous improvement.
Why I love football coaching... “Football’s simple — work hard, listen, and trust your team. The rest follows.”
CRAIG RADCLIFFE
Academy Coach
Craig focuses on the day-to-day training environment: fitness, drills, positional coaching, and match preparation. His approachable style and deep attention to player progress make him instrumental in turning potential into performance.
Why I love football coaching... “I love seeing players realise what they’re capable of — that moment never gets old.”
NATHAN HUNT
Academy Coach
Nathan is devoted to developing technical ability and game intelligence. As one of our local professional football coaches, he works closely with youth squads, helping players refine their ball control, movement and decision-making under pressure.
Why I love football coaching... “If you work hard, smile, and stay brave on the ball, you’ll always keep improving.”
LIAM RAVENHILL
Player-Coach (Matlock Town)
Liam Ravenhill currently plays for Matlock Town and also contributes as a coach in our Academy. His dual role bridges the gap between the pitch and the coaching side—giving younger players direct insight from someone still actively playing at a competitive level.
Why I love football coaching... “Good habits in training make all the difference when Saturday comes.”
LEWIS CUNNINGHAM
Player-Coach
Lewis Cunningham, likewise a Matlock Town player, complements Liam’s role. With firsthand playing experience and a passion for coaching youth, he brings relatability, current match insight, and a supportive presence in training.
Why I love football coaching... “We’ve all been in their boots — that’s what makes this team of local professional football coaches special. We get it.”
WHY OUR COACHING TEAM STANDS OUT
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE
Every coach in our squad is part of a network of local professional football coaches who understand the demands, standards, and pathways through the English game.
MENTORSHIP-LED
Under Adam’s leadership, and with Steve Eyre’s mentorship, our coaches not only teach skills — they teach mindset, resilience, and professionalism.
PLAYER-CENTERED CULTURE
Whether you’re in the youth academy or preparing for senior football, you benefit from a cohesive team of coaches whose methods and goals are aligned.
STRONG LOCAL TIES
With coaches who live and breathe the local football community, we nurture talent with both global ambition and local understanding.
JOIN AC8 FOOTBALL COACHING ACADEMY
Discover how far football can take you. Join AC8 Academy today and take the first step towards reaching your full potential with expert youth football coaching.
"We’ve been part of AC8 from the start, and the growth in both skill and character has been amazing to see. Adam and the team genuinely care about developing good players and good people — true professionals offering the best local football coaching."
Parent of James, Age 11