MEET THE FOUNDER OF AC8 ACADEMY
Adam Clayton: Bringing passion, experience, and vision to kids football in Harrogate
FROM PREMIER LEAGUE TO LOCAL COACHING
A CAREER BUILT ON TOP-LEVEL EXPERIENCE
Adam’s football journey began at the highest level, playing for Middlesbrough in the Premier League and developing his game with Manchester City, Leeds United, and Birmingham City. The experience he gained across these top clubs has shaped the elite standards, professionalism, and dedication he now passes on to the next generation of players.
Today, alongside running AC8 Academy, Adam is the Manager of
Matlock Town FC, where he continues to apply his tactical knowledge, leadership and passion for developing players in a competitive senior environment. His ongoing involvement in the professional game ensures that AC8’s training methods remain current, realistic and built on modern football principles.
UEFA A LICENSED COACH
As a UEFA A Licensed Coach, Adam holds one of the highest coaching qualifications in the game. This reflects his advanced understanding of player development, tactical awareness, and session design - key to delivering the best local football coaching experience for every child, in a safe and age-appropriate way.
DEEP ROOTS IN YORKSHIRE FOOTBALL
Throughout his career, Adam also represented several Yorkshire clubs - including Huddersfield Town, Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City - creating a lasting connection with the region and its strong footballing community. That passion for Yorkshire football now drives his mission to offer the best local football coaching for young players.
BRINGING PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT HOME
Now based in Harrogate, Adam brings his elite playing experience home, helping children learn and grow through the best local football coaching environment possible. Every session at AC8 Academy is designed to be enjoyable, challenging, and supportive - giving each player the confidence to reach their potential.
The clubs Adam has represented:
City skyline
CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY:
Adam’s time across these Yorkshire and northern clubs has shaped his coaching approach - grounded in hard work, respect and pride. Those same values are at the heart of AC8 Academy’s sessions today.
A PHILOSOPHY BUILT ON PEOPLE AND PLAY
For Adam, football is about more than technique - it’s about character, teamwork and enjoyment. He founded AC8 Academy to deliver the best local football coaching, combining professional training with values like respect, courage, pride and endeavour. Every session reflects Adam’s commitment to creating a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment for every player.
"I am absolutely delighted to have launched the AC8 Academy in Harrogate, the place I call home. Football is my absolute passion; it has been an ambition of mine for a long time to create an Academy which could offer opportunities for young people to access the highest calibre coaching, regardless of ability or background. I feel incredibly lucky that the opportunity has come along to make this dream a reality."
Adam Clayton, Founder of AC8 Academy, Harrogate
DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S PLAYERS
Adam’s vision is simple: help every child reach their potential both on and off the pitch. From improving technical skills and game understanding to fostering friendships and life-long confidence, Adam ensures that AC8 Academy is more than just a football academy - it’s a place where players grow as athletes and as people.
WHY FAMILIES TRUST ADAM
With years of professional experience across leading Yorkshire clubs, a UEFA A Licence, and a proven track record in player development, Adam has become a trusted figure in the Harrogate football community. Families choose AC8 Academy because they want the best local football coaching, led by someone who genuinely understands how to nurture talent, inspire ambition, and make football fun.
READY TO GIVE YOUR CHILD THE ADVANTAGE OF EXPERT COACHING?
Join AC8 Academy today and experience the difference Adam Clayton brings to the best local football coaching in Harrogate.