Ackworth School Strengthens Elite Football Programme with Appointment of Lee Elam as Assistant Director of Football
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.
