{"id":435,"date":"2017-02-23T20:01:18","date_gmt":"2017-02-23T20:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/?page_id=435"},"modified":"2026-08-05T11:39:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T11:39:41","slug":"the-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/about-us\/the-team\/","title":{"rendered":"The Team"},"content":{"rendered":"
Meet The Team<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Matt Walsh<\/strong><\/span> was at Preston North End for 9 Years from age 8 – 17, eventually being released from the Club a number of years ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

At age 15, Matt had trials for England U15s. During his time at PNE, Matt had numerous approaches from Manchester United (over a 3-year Period), Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Barnsley.<\/p>\n

Matt has been coached by former Man Utd & Everton and current West Ham manager David Moyes during his time at Preston North End. He was also Coached by Former West Ham United\u00a0Assistant Manager\u00a0& Former\u00a0Blackpool F.C Manager\u00a0Neil McDonald for 2 Years, as well as\u00a0Former Barnsley Manager Simon Davey for\u00a02 Years.<\/p>\n

Shortly after leaving Preston North End, Matt moved to the U.S.A\u00a0to play when he was 19. Matt was offered a 4 Year scholarship to play in California. Unfortunately, after failing to recover from injury,\u00a0Matt had to return to England.<\/p>\n

After returning to England, Matt turned his attentions to coaching.<\/p>\n

Matt was the creator of The Football Development Programme \u00a9 in 2005.<\/p>\n

Matt took his UEFA ‘B’ Licence in May 2011 with the PFA and passed the Course in February 2012.<\/p>\n

Matt passed the FA Youth Award in January 2016.<\/p>\n

Matt took his UEFA ‘A’ Licence in\u00a0April 2018 and passed the Course in May 2019.<\/p>\n

Matt passed his Advanced Youth Award (AYA) in December 2020.<\/p>\n

Matt worked at Blackburn Rovers Academy from August 2014 to August 2018, working with players from U8’s to U14’s.<\/p>\n

Matt started coaching at Burnley FC Academy from September 2018, working with players from U13’s – U16’s.<\/p>\n

From March 2020, Matt started working Full Time at Burnley FC, working with players from U13’s – U21’s.<\/p>\n

As of April 2024, Matt was promoted to U18’s coach at Burnley FC.<\/p>\n

\n

Lewis Hamlin<\/strong><\/span> was at Blackburn Rovers Academy from age 9 – 14.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After leaving Blackburn Rovers, Lewis signed a Scholarship at Bolton Wanderers at age 17.<\/p>\n

During his time at Bolton Wanderers, he captained the U19 side & was a regular member of the reserve team squad.<\/p>\n

Lewis featured in the first team match day squad at age 19 in the FA Cup.<\/p>\n

Lewis left Bolton at age 19 and went on to play for Larne FC (N. Ireland) and Glenavon FC (N. Ireland) \u00a0in the NIFL Premiership.<\/p>\n

Lewis is a UEFA B Licence Coach, previously working at Blackburn Rovers Academy as the U21 Lead Coach.<\/p>\n

Lewis is also a qualified PE Teacher.<\/p>\n

Lewis only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term and Summer Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Sam Keates<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sam currently works full time at Manchester City F.C. working with the U12’s, starting his role in January 2021.<\/p>\n

Sam was previously the Assistant Foundation Coach at Burnley F.C. working with the U9’s – U12’s, from September 2017 to December 2020.<\/p>\n

Sam was also in charge of the Pre Academy at Burnley FC, working with the U7’s and U8’s.<\/p>\n

Sam is a UEFA ‘B’ Licence Coach and also holds the FA Advanced Youth Award, which he completed in October 2019.<\/p>\n

Sam only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term and Summer Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Ash Higgins<\/strong><\/span> was at Preston North End from age 17-19, playing for both the youth and reserve team.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ash passed his UEFA ‘B’ Licence in August 2014 and his FA Youth Award in January 2016.<\/p>\n

Ash also holds the FA Advanced Youth Award which he passed in November 2017.<\/p>\n

Ash passed his UEFA ‘A’ Licence in November 2018.<\/p>\n

Ash has previously been Lead Foundation Phase Coach at Preston North End (U5’s to U11’s)<\/p>\n

Ash left Preston North End to join Blackburn Rovers Academy as the Assistant Foundation Phase Coach (U9’s to U12’s)<\/p>\n

Ash worked Full Time at Burnley FC as the Lead Foundation Phase Coach (U9’s to U12’s) for 2 years.<\/p>\n

Ash worked at Liverpool FC Full Time from September 2019 to January 2021 as the Lead U11’s Coach.<\/p>\n

From 2021 – 2025, Ash was the Head of Coaching at Burnley FC Academy.<\/p>\n

As of September 2025, Ash works Full Time with the FA, as a Coach Developer \/ Educator.<\/p>\n

Ash only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term and Summer Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Josh O’Keefe<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Person<\/p>\n

Josh was at at Blackburn Rovers from the Age of 13, eventually Signing Professional Forms at the Age of 17.<\/p>\n

Josh spent 8 years at Blackburn, playing in both the Youth Team and regularly in the Reserve Team.<\/p>\n

After Leaving Blackburn Rovers in 2009, Josh went on to play for Walsall, Lincoln City and Hereford United.<\/p>\n

Josh has also Represented the Republic of Ireland U’21s back in 2008, playing against Austria U’21s.<\/p>\n

Josh continues to help out during Half term and Summer Football Courses.<\/p>\n

Josh played for Chorley F.C. for 4 years but in June 2020 he announced his retirement from Football.<\/p>\n

Josh currently works at Fleetwood Town FC as a First Team Physiotherapist.<\/p>\n

Josh only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term and Summer Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Dave Tobin<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dave currently coaches Part Time at Burnley FC Academy, in which he lead the U11’s.<\/p>\n

Dave is a UEFA ‘B” Licence Coach and also hold the FA Advanced Youth Award, which he completed in January 2020.<\/p>\n

Dave previously worked at Blackburn Rovers Academy for 6 years.<\/p>\n

Dave has been working at Burnley FC Academy for 7. Dave now works Full Time at Burnley FC Academy, Leading the U9s – U10s.<\/p>\n

Dave Coaches only Part – Time for The Football Development Programme \u00a9 during some Half Term \/ Summer Football Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Frank Chiarella<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0moved to the UK in 2012 from Australia. He is a vastly experienced Futsal Goalkeeper playing Professionally in Australia.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Most notably, playing for Melbourne Heart Futsal Club in Australia.<\/p>\n

Frank unfortunately had to finish playing due to a serious Knee Injury, when he turned his attentions to Coaching.<\/p>\n

Frank was the Head Coach at Manchester Futsal Club, winning the North League in his first Season.<\/p>\n

He spent time at Preston North End as a Development Coach, as well as a Futsal Development Coach.<\/p>\n

Frank passed his FA Level 2 Coaching Licence in 2014.<\/p>\n

Other qualifications include, FA Goalkeeping Level 1, FA Level 1 in Futsal, as well as most recently obtaining his FA Youth Award Module 1, 2 and 3.<\/p>\n

Frank passed his FA Youth Award in January 2018.<\/p>\n

Frank passed his UEFA ‘B’ Coaching Licence in October 2019.<\/p>\n

He previously coached the U8’s at Blackburn Rovers Academy for 2 years.<\/p>\n

Frank moved back to Australia with his family in December 2019 and is continuing his coaching there.<\/p>\n

\n

Jackson Hamlin<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jackson only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term and Summer Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Dan Trafford<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dan\u00a0currently works at Burnley F.C. Academy Coaching the U11’s.<\/p>\n

Dan\u00a0only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term \/ Summer Courses.<\/p>\n

\n

Eddie Stanford<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Eddie was at Blackburn Rovers Academy from age 12-16.<\/p>\n

After leaving Blackburn Rovers, he signed YTS forms for Coventry City at age 17.<\/p>\n

He made 1 first team appearance for Coventry City.<\/p>\n

Eddie left Coventry City at age 20 and briefly had a spell in Poland with Legia Warsaw<\/p>\n

Eddie currently works at Blackburn Rover F.C. as the Lead Coach U12s – U14s<\/p>\n

Eddie is a UEFA ‘A’ Licence Coach, which he completed in January 2022.<\/p>\n

Eddie only Coaches Part Time at The Football Development Programme. Helping out during Half Term \/ Summer Courses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meet The Team Matt Walsh was at Preston North End for 9 Years from age 8 – 17, eventually being released from the Club a number of years ago. At age 15, Matt had trials for England U15s. During his time at PNE, Matt had numerous approaches from Manchester United (over a 3-year Period), Blackburn […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":60,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-435","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/435","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=435"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/435\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1357,"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/435\/revisions\/1357"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/60"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thefootballdevelopmentprogramme.co.uk\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}