COACHING STAFF
Jamie Chandler –
Head of Football Coaching
Jamie is an ex professional footballer who now combines coaching here at the Academy with his semi-professional playing career at Spennymoor Town. A current UEFA ‘A’ License candidate Jamie is a very ambitious and dedicated coach with a real passion for developing players.
Jamie began his playing career at the age of 6 which seen him attend Newcastle United’s academy before making the decision to join Sunderland aged 9. A decision he did not regret. Jamie went on to receive a Scholarship aged 16 before signing a 3-year pro contract under Roy Keane. During his time, he represented England winning 35 caps at various age levels. After his time at Sunderland, Jamie then signed for football league side Darlington FC where he went on to make 170 appearance’s which included a special day at Wembley where he was named man of the match in a 1-0 victory over Mansfield in the FA Trophy. After a two-year spell Jamie was then signed by Gateshead FC where he spent 5 years of his career. He went on to win player of the season awards before being part of the Gateshead side that was narrowly beaten in the play-off final at Wembley against Cambridge United. Jamie is now into his fourth year at National League North Spennymoor Town where he has racked up nearly 150 appearance’s and is an integral part of their team. Jamie then made the decision to join Martin on the Foundation of Lights successful Scholarship programme which seen him be part of three National cup wins and play a part in the pathways for a number of players who have went into the professional and semi-professional game.
It’s now Jamie’s second year at Monkwearmouth and he is valued member of the academy. His drive and determination have seen the academy create a fun, hard working environment that challenges the individual both on and off the pitch to be the best he can.
Joshua Akal – Football Coach
Josh is an aspiring, bright young coach who is an integral part of the academy. An ex pupil of the school, Josh is very passionate to create the best environment here at Monkwearmouth.
Already an FA licensed coach, the next stage of Josh’s coaching pathway is to enrol on the prestigious UEFA ‘B’ license where he is wanting to challenge himself and extend his footballing knowledge. Josh still plays football as a semi-professional in the EBAC Northern League for Washington FC. After progressing through the ranks of Sunderland boys and the district squads josh represented Sunderland Academy where he spent 6 years and built up an array of technical and tactical abilities which he is now using to inspire the next generation of Monkwearmouth students. Before joining Monkwearmouth again, Josh combined education and football himself on the Sunderland Foundation of Lights Scholarship programme. During his two years on the course he completed a BTEC level 3 in sport and also played a huge part in winning three national trophies with the highlight being his winning performance in the final against Brighton and hove albion in National Trophy Final at the Stadium of Light.
Into his second year now at the academy it’s an exciting time for Josh who will look to continue his hard work and make even more of an impact on the players in the academy.