Jun 29, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Elam as Assistant Director of Football, joining Director of Football John McDermott and Assistant Director of Football Gary Childs as the School continues to expand its ambitious football programme in partnership with PSG Academy England.
Elam brings a wealth of experience from across the professional and grassroots game, having enjoyed an accomplished playing career before establishing himself as a highly respected coach and football leader.
During his playing career, Elam represented a number of clubs across the English football pyramid, including Yeovil Town, Exeter City, Morecambe, Crawley Town and Halifax Town, earning a reputation as a talented and versatile attacking player. His achievements also extend onto the international stage, having represented England Veterans, where he was part of the squad that won the Seniors World Cup.
Following his retirement from playing, Elam transitioned successfully into coaching and football leadership. He spent eight years as Lead Youth Coach at Bradford City Academy, helping to develop and nurture young players within a professional academy environment. He has also gained significant experience in senior football management, leading Eccleshill United in the Northern Counties East League before being appointed manager of Albion Sports in May 2026.
Working alongside former professional footballers John McDermott and Gary Childs, Elam will play a key role in developing Ackworth School’s football programme and supporting the next generation of talented young footballers.
The appointment means that Ackworth School’s football programme is now led by three UEFA A Licence-qualified coaches, providing students with access to one of the most experienced football leadership teams in the independent school sector. Together, McDermott, Childs and Elam bring decades of experience across professional football, academy development, talent identification and elite player progression.
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Lee to Ackworth School. He is someone who understands football from every angle – as a player, coach and manager. Lee is passionate about developing young people and helping them maximise their potential, which aligns perfectly with our vision for football at Ackworth. As we continue to develop our programme alongside PSG Academy England, his experience and expertise will be invaluable.”
Lee Elam said:
“I am incredibly excited to join Ackworth School and become part of such an ambitious and forward-thinking football programme. The opportunity to work alongside John McDermott and Gary Childs, and contribute to the development of young players within the PSG Academy England framework, is one I am genuinely looking forward to. Ackworth has a clear vision for football and education, and I am excited to help build on that success.”
Ackworth School’s football programme continues to go from strength to strength, providing talented young footballers with access to elite coaching, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, competitive fixtures and clear progression pathways. Through its partnership with PSG Academy England, the School offers a world-class football experience while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development.
The programme has already helped players progress into the professional game, with recent signings at clubs including Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Málaga CF, highlighting the strength of the pathways available to aspiring footballers at Ackworth.
Head Martyn Beer said:
“Lee’s appointment is another significant step forward for football at Ackworth School. His experience across playing, coaching and management brings tremendous value to our pupils. Alongside John McDermott and Gary Childs, we now have three UEFA A Licence-qualified coaches leading our football programme, providing an exceptional level of expertise and mentorship for our young players. Combined with our partnership with PSG Academy England, this further strengthens our commitment to delivering one of the country’s most ambitious and comprehensive school football programmes.”
As Ackworth School prepares for the next phase of its football development alongside PSG Academy England, the addition of Lee Elam further reinforces its commitment to creating an environment where young players can thrive academically, personally and athletically.
About Ackworth School Football
Ackworth School’s football programme combines academic excellence with elite player development. Delivered in partnership with PSG Academy England, the programme is led by Director of Football John McDermott, supported by Assistant Directors of Football Gary Childs and Lee Elam.
Together, the trio hold three UEFA A Licences and bring extensive experience from the professional game, academy football, coaching and player development. The programme provides high-performance coaching, competitive fixtures, strength and conditioning, performance analysis and player progression opportunities within a nurturing independent school environment.
Recent graduates of the programme have secured opportunities with professional clubs including Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Málaga CF. From September 2026, students will also benefit from the School’s landmark partnership with PSG Academy England, bringing one of the world’s most recognised football development philosophies to Ackworth School.
Jun 8, 2026 | Ackworth School, Junior School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to host the PSG Academy England Holiday Camp from 3 – 7 August, giving young footballers the opportunity to train using the methodology of one of the world’s leading football clubs.
Delivered by UEFA-qualified PSG Academy England coaches, the camp is designed to help players develop their technical ability, tactical understanding and confidence in a fun and professional environment.
Open to players of all abilities, the programme follows the Paris Saint-Germain training philosophy, helping participants improve key areas of their game through structured coaching sessions and match play.
Throughout the week, players will work on:
- Ball mastery and dribbling
- Passing and receiving
- Shooting and finishing
- Tactical awareness and decision-making
- Small-sided games and match scenarios
The camp provides an excellent opportunity for players to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy their football during the summer holidays.
Each participant will receive a certificate of attendance and individual feedback from the coaching team at the end of the week.
Camp Information
Dates: 3 – 7 August
Venue: Ackworth School
Cost: £30 per day
Open to: Players of all abilities
As part of Ackworth School’s exciting partnership with PSG Academy England, the holiday camp offers a genuine insight into the coaching methods used across the global PSG Academy network.
With excellent facilities and expert coaching, the camp promises an enjoyable and rewarding experience for young players looking to develop their game this summer.
Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
To secure a place, visit the PSG Academy England booking page.
Jan 30, 2026 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to celebrate the outstanding progress of former student Yisa Alao, whose football journey has taken him from Ackworth School to Sheffield Wednesday FC and now to Chelsea Football Club.
Yisa was a valued member of the Ackworth community from Nursery through to the end of Year 11, where he developed both academically and athletically. During his time at school, he was part of the Football Academy and the West Yorkshire U16 Champions team, highlighting his early promise and dedication.
After leaving Ackworth, Yisa joined Sheffield Wednesday’s academy, progressing quickly through the ranks. He made his senior debut for the Owls in August and continued to impress at first-team level. The 17-year-old left back made five senior appearances, including starts in the FA Cup Third Round against Premier League side Brentford FC and an EFL Championship fixture against Portsmouth, demonstrating exceptional composure and maturity against experienced professionals.
Following these performances, Chelsea FC have signed Yisa on a two-and-a-half-year contract, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Speaking about Yisa’s impact, Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl praised his courage, belief, and quality at senior level, highlighting his impressive performances against top opposition.
The whole Ackworth School community is extremely proud of Yisa and his achievements to date. We wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter with Chelsea FC and continues his professional football journey.
Sep 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
From September 2026 Ackworth School will partner with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England to launch a new elite football programme for both boys and girls. The initiative will offer students from Year 10 upwards the chance to combine world-class football coaching with a carefully tailored academic curriculum.
The new partnership builds on the continued success of the Ackworth Football Academy, which under the leadership of Director of Football John McDermott and Assistant Director of Football Gary Childs, has already established a strong reputation across the region. Reflecting on the announcement, McDermott said:
“Partnering with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England is a huge step forward for our football provision at Ackworth. This collaboration will give our players access to world-class coaching methods and pathways, while ensuring that their education remains at the heart of everything we do.”
Training will follow the renowned PSG methodology, designed to develop technical ability, tactical awareness, and physical excellence in a professional environment. Students will also benefit from extensive competitive opportunities, with the academy competing in prestigious ISFA and ESFA competitions, as well as regular fixtures against professional academies. These matches will not only challenge and inspire our players but also provide a vital platform to showcase their talents to scouts and clubs at the highest levels.
Students enrolling in the academy will benefit from high levels of contact time per week with our school-based UEFA A licenced Directors of Football. This will comprise of regular individual and group skills coaching sessions, regular football matches for both the Academy (and for the school when possible), and supervised strength and conditioning training.
In addition to the Academy’s home being at a £1.2m 3G pitch ten minutes from the school, students will have access to five full-sized pitches, a multi-use games pitch and an indoor training area. Students enrolled in the football academy can also take full advantage of the heated indoor swimming pool and our purpose-built fitness suite.
Students in Years 10 and 11 follow a core curriculum, including GCSEs or a Pre A-Level course, while Sixth Form pupils can choose between traditional A-Levels or the BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport, a vocational qualification equivalent to three A-Levels. This structure ensures that every student-athlete has the opportunity to excel both on the pitch and in the classroom.
The school community has warmly welcomed this partnership as a landmark opportunity for both current and future students. Head Martyn Beer commented:
“This is an incredibly exciting development for Ackworth School. Working with such a prestigious international football academy allows us to broaden opportunities for our pupils, combining academic excellence with elite sporting performance. We are proud to be part of this partnership with Paris St Germain to develop our students’ skill, performance and character.”
For more information about joining Ackworth School and the Football Academy, please visit www.ackworthschool.com/sports/football or contact us on admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Aug 19, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is proud to announce a landmark achievement for its Football Academy, as two of its standout students have signed professional contracts with prestigious clubs in England and Europe.
Sixteen-year-old Yisa has signed with Sheffield Wednesday FC and already made his professional debut with the men’s first team, an extraordinary milestone that reflects both his talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Charlie has taken his career international, signing with Almuñecar City, part of Málaga CF in Spain, further underlining the Academy’s growing reputation as a pathway to the professional game.
Their individual success builds on an exceptional year for the Football Academy. Yisa played a starring role in the U16 West Yorkshire Cup triumph, scoring four goals during the campaign, and was instrumental in the team’s run to the last 32 of the ESFA Cup. Charlie, meanwhile, was central to the U18 side’s impressive season, helping the team to win the U18 West Yorkshire Cup, reach the finals of the ISFA Cup, and advance to the quarter-finals of the ESFA Cup.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the players’ commitment and the Academy’s ethos:
“Yisa and Charlie are shining examples of what hard work, resilience, and talent can achieve. To see them move into the professional game at such a young age is a source of pride for the entire school community. Their success also inspires the next generation of Ackworth players coming through.”
Head of Sport, James Bower, echoed this pride, highlighting the Academy’s broader impact:
“These achievements reflect not only the exceptional ability of our students, but also the strength of our football programme as a whole. Balancing academic excellence with sporting success is at the heart of what we do at Ackworth, and Yisa and Charlie’s journeys show just how far that balance can take our pupils.”
Ackworth School’s Football Academy continues to establish itself as one of the country’s leading independent school football programmes – nurturing talent, delivering results, and now celebrating the success of two young professionals embarking on exciting careers.
Mar 26, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Birmingham City, and England Under-21 player Gary Childs as its new Assistant Director of Football from April 2025. With a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Gary will play a key role in the development of young footballing talent at the school.
Childs, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including West Bromwich Albion — where he earned his England U21 caps — Walsall, Birmingham City, and Grimsby Town, brings extensive coaching expertise to his new role. Notably, his time at Walsall saw the club achieve its best-ever cup run, highlighting his contributions at the highest levels of the game. Having worked with elite youth players for many years, his appointment signals the school’s commitment to fostering footballing excellence.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Ackworth School and working alongside a fantastic team. The opportunity to help nurture and develop young players in such a forward-thinking environment is something I am very passionate about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the role and helping students reach their full potential.”
Ackworth School’s Head, Martyn Beer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff, saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to Ackworth School. His impressive career and dedication to developing young talent make him a fantastic asset to our football programme. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our footballing structure and offer the best possible opportunities for our students.”
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School and former teammate of Childs at Grimsby Town, also shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Having played and coached alongside Gary, I know firsthand the leadership, skill, and passion he brings to the game. His ability to inspire young players is second to none, and I have no doubt that he will have a hugely positive impact at Ackworth School.”
Gary Childs’ appointment comes as part of Ackworth School’s continued efforts to provide an elite footballing environment for its students, strengthened by its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. This collaboration offers students access to top-level coaching, facilities, and pathways into professional football. With Childs’ extensive experience and commitment, the school is poised to enhance its football programme further.
