OUR COACHing team
Dedication. Qualification. Inspiration.
WGA Head Coach
John Francis
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FA UEFA A Licence Coach (FA Level 4)
John enjoyed a successful professional and semi-professional playing career, making over 250 league appearances and scoring 92 goals in all competitions. His playing career included spells at Burnley FC, Sheffield United, Cambridge United, and Halifax Town. Following his retirement, John gained extensive coaching experience. Academy Coach at Leeds United for 7 years Head of Youth Development at Burnley FC, where he led the academy for 6 years Coaching and management roles at both professional and semi-professional levels FA tutor and coach mentor for the West Riding County FA Today, John oversees the Wharfedale Grassroots Association, the WGA Scholarship Programme, and the Ilkley Town Holiday Camps.
WGA Senior Coach
Des Hazel
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​FA UEFA B Licence Coach (FA Level 3)
Des began his career with Sheffield Wednesday, making his senior debut in 1986. He went on to make 274 Football League appearances for clubs including Grimsby Town, Rotherham United, and Chesterfield, before playing in Australia for Joondalup City and trialling with Perth Glory. Coaching highlights include:​Head of Youth Development at Halifax Town Youth Team Coach and School of Excellence Lead at Halifax Coaching roles at Manchester City, Bradford City, and Leeds United Academy coach at Bradford Park Avenue Des is now a full-time coach with WGA and Ilkley Town FC, contributing to both the Scholarship Programme and Holiday Camps.
WGA Head Goalkeeping Coach
Rudi Coleano
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FA UEFA B Licence Coach (FA Level 3)
Rudi is a former professional goalkeeper at Barnsley FC and has served as a goalkeeping coach at Leeds United FC for the 1st Team, U21s, U18s, and Youth Academy over the past 23 years. He is currently the owner of Elite Goalkeeping UK, a national goalkeeping school, and is the designer and manufacturer of the EGK glove brand. 2 years involvement with the Wharfedale Grassroots Association
WGA Coach and Assistant Scholarship Coach
Ross Tabel
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FA UEFA C Licence Coach (FA Level 2)
Ross began his coaching journey in January 2022 and has rapidly progressed through the ranks. Starting with an U8 boys' team and toddlers at Diddikicks, he now coaches: Boys (ages 7–16) and girls (ages 10–16) at WGA Preschool children at Ghyll Royd School The St Mary’s Scholarship Team – a school he previously attended Ilkley Town U21s Passionate and enthusiastic, Ross is committed to developing as a coach and is working through the FA coaching pathway with a strong desire to improve and grow.
WGA Goalkeeper Coach
Ben Saynor
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FA UEFA B Licence Coach (FA Level 3)
Ben began his playing career at Barnsley, moving to Leeds United, and later signing professionally with Bradford City at age 16. He made over 300 semi-professional appearances for clubs including Goole, Pontefract, and Bridlington. Ben holds a Degree in Sport & Performance and has over 15 years of coaching experience, including: Current Academy Goalkeeper Coach at Huddersfield Town Previous GK coaching at Leeds United (Foundation Phase) He has been a key part of Wharfedale Grassroots Association for the past two years.
WGA Coach
Kamran Stead
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FA UEFA B Licence Coach (FA Level 3)
Kamran has over 12 years’ coaching experience across all age groups. He has held leadership roles in several private academies, overseeing day-to-day operations and player development. Key experience includes: Coaching in the Rochdale Scholarship Programme Working at RIASA International Soccer Academy Head Coach at Fives Football Academy, Leeds Kamran now coaches with the Wharfedale Grassroots Association, bringing a wealth of practical and developmental insight to the team.
WGA Coach
Ian Taylor
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FA UEFA B Licence Coach (FA Level 3)
Ian has over 30 years of coaching experience, having begun in 1991. His career includes: • Two summers coaching in the USA • Qualified as a Level 3 coach in 1998 while working with John Francis at Leeds United, coaching at the Girls' Centre of Excellence, including future Lioness Rachel Daly • Former player-coach for Old Centralians AFC (2003–2016) • Coach with Calverley United Juniors Girls since 2018 Ian joined WGA in January 2024, bringing extensive knowledge and passion for long-term player development.
WGA Coach
Iain McDonnell
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FA UEFA C Licence Coach (FA Level 2)
Iain began coaching in 2008 when his daughter started playing football. He completed his Level 2 qualification in 2015, driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of the game. His experience includes: Coaching junior teams up to U17 level Coached the U19 Academy side under manager Ant Hart, mentoring future first-team players Founded and managed the Ilkley Town U21 team since 2016 Coaching at Aire Wharfe Academy before joining WGA Iain brings a strong development focus and long-term commitment to youth football.
WGA Coach
George Proctor
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FA UEFA B Licence Coach
George has played football since the young age of three - he was signed at Barnsley at age 15. He went on to play as a professional for two years in England before moving to America to continue pursuing football whilst also studying. After, George started coaching in America. He has been coaching for around five years, as well as being a PE teacher.
WGA Coach
Richard Harrison​
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FA UEFA B Licence Coach
Richard Harrison is an experienced UEFA B Licence coach who has been part of the Wharfedale Grassroots Academy for the past 18 months. With a background in PE, Sports Science, and Recreation Management, he combines academic expertise with over 30 years of playing and coaching experience across the UK, USA, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Playing Career A former player with Leeds United and Lincoln City, Richard also featured for Farsley Celtic, Bradford PA, and Belper Town, as well as Loughborough University and England Universities. He played in Australia’s NSW Premier League for Fairfield Bulls and Macarthur Rams. Coaching Experience Richard has coached at Leeds United and Derby County academies, in the USA with United Soccer Academy, and was Technical Director for Macarthur Rams SC in Australia. He has also worked in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vanuatu. Professional Background PE Teacher (2005–Present) Semi-Pro Footballer (1991–2000) US Summer Coach (1994–2000) Based in Australia (2000–2022)