Coach Profiles

LES CLEEVELY

Les began his football apprenticeship with Southampton FC, followed by a short spell at Notts County under Howard Wilkinson and also at Brentford, then moving to Sweden for a season, playing for Kungsbaka FC. Upon returning to England he signed for Crystal Palace FC and eventually moved to Non league football.

His Non-league career took him from Farnborough Town to Carshalton Athletic, where he played over 520 games. More recently he has had spells as Player coach and Player Manager at Dulwich Hamlet FC and as Player Coach at Aldershot Town.

In the early 90’s he began coaching whilst still playing, by coaching for Steve Kember (of Crystal Palace FC) at a number of private schools. Now he runs the Keeps Goalkeeper Coaching Academy, which is directed to developing and training the goalkeepers for our future. He is involved with coaching at a number of schools and colleges including Eton College and St Paul’s, whilst also working in local schools on behalf of the Umbro Community Coaching Scheme. Keeps Academy are also responsible for the development of a number of Semi Professional Goalkeepers.

He has set up and run the Surrey Goalkeeping Centre on behalf of Millwall and has coached at Millwall, Fulham and Crystal Palace, covering the youth academy, 1st team, reserves and the Ladies. He is also a highly respected coach at Eton College, Colet Court, St Paul's and Harrodian Schools. Over the last few years he has also run the Goalkeeping Programme in the USA on behalf of Quickskills Soccer at Pittsburgh, Coerver Coaching at St Lawrence, Lake Placid and New Paltz. Currently employed by Tottenham Hotspurs FC. He is a fully qualified “B” licence FA Coach, one of the few who also holds the highly accredited UEFA “A” licence. Currently studying for a degree in Sports Psychology.

Les is currently working as an academy goalkeeping coach at Chelsea FC.

Les Cleevely is passionate about football - every aspect, every game, every student and every coaching / playing session.

STUART SEARLE
Head Coach

Has been with Keeps for over 5 years. He currently plays a very high standard of non-league football at Basingstoke Town FC. He has also played for Wimbledon FC Youth Academy, Woking, Aldershot Town, Carshalton Athletic as well as Barnet FC. He has also played for the England Non-League team. He stayed within the Wimbledon FC ranks coaching goalkeepers of all youth age groups within the academy, 1st team and reserves until their move to Milton Keynes and is now in his second season coaching with Chelsea FC. He is proving himself to be an excellent coach and is invaluable to Keeps.

ROB WEBB

Has recently joined Walton & Hersham FC following his departure from MK Dons. He has also played for Thurrock and Fisher Athletic and has been on the books of Fulham FC. He has recently completed his Level 2 Goalkeeper Coaching qualification. He is an invaluable member of our staff and an asset to Keeps in many ways. We are delighted to have him on board with us.

ANDY SMALLPIECE

Currently plays for Isle of Wight. Prior to this he was with Basingstoke Town FC and has also played for Southampton FC, for 3 years within the academy. In addition he has featured for Southampton Schoolboys as well as regional representative teams. Most recently spent his trainee years at AFC Bournemouth.

GARY PHILLIPS

His vast experience both as a player and a coach is invaluable to Keeps. His Footballing Career has seen him play for Barnet FC, West Bromwich Albion FC, Brentford FC, Reading FC. He has been Manager at both Barnet , Aylesbury Utd and Stevenage Borough, as well as coaching at Queens Park Rangers, Colchester United, Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town, Southend and, of course, Barnet.

MARK WESTHEAD

His playing Career has seen him play for Bolton Wanderers winning the play offs and then two years later, the league. He has also played for Stalybridge Celtic, Kidderminster Harriers, Telford United to name a few, and whilst at Wycombe Wanderers reached the semi finals of the FA Cup.   His coaching experience has seen him coach Goalkeepers at Stevenage and Wycombe Wanderers. An asset to Keeps.

CARL EMBERSON

Has played professional football at Millwall, Colchester United, Walsall, Luton Town and Southend as well as coaching for both Millwall and the LB of Sutton. He is a valuable member of our team.

BOBBY CHILDS
Physiotherapist

Bobby is a member of the Society of Sports Therapists and has 12 years experience within professional football, working with Watford, Reading and Wimbledon FC within all playing sections including the ladies and the Academy. Currently employed as the 1st team Therapist at Woking FC in the Nationwide conference. The role fulfilled at Woking, and on behalf of Keeps includes assessment, treatment and rehabiltation of injuries occuring in football. Also works with the Tony Adams Sporting Chance Clinic.

BEN SYMONS

Another of Keeps long standing students. Currently playing with Hampton & Richmond FC and an FA qualified coach. He has proved himself to be organised, reliable and an asset to Keeps as a Coaching Assistant.

CIRO DONADIO

Currently playing with Bromley Town FC Reserves. He has been a student with Keeps for over three years and in the last year he has achieved his first level coaching qualification enabling him to join Keeps as a Coaching Assistant. His personality and technical skill are an asset to our team.

DAN BURNETT

Was one of Keeps first ever students. Currently playing semi-professional football and is now working on his level 3 coaching badge. He works with Keeps as one of our regular coaching assistants and he is a very reliable, dedicated member of our invaluable staff.

MARIE HOURIHAN

Currently plays with Fulham Ladies First Team and has also been included in the England Under 19's Squad. Marie has been with Keeps for a number of years and is proving herself to be an outstanding coaching assistant.

LUKE THEAKSTON

Has been with Keeps for a number of years. Currently one of Keeps Academy Full Time Scholars and yet another asset to our Team.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Keeps are looking for Part Time Goalkeeping Coaches all over the UK. They must be qualified to UEFA “B” Licence level and have relative coaching experience. Additional playing experience is preferred although not essential and all applicants must have good organisation, administration and communication skills. A full UK driving licence is essential.

You will be:
Required to plan & carry out sessions
Provide feedback both to students, parents and Keeps
Motivate Students
Deliver coaching to the "Keeps" curriculum

In Return Keeps offer:
Generous session rates
Kit & Equipment package
Commission
International Tours
Opportunities to progress further

If you are interested, please email us at keepsacademy@yahoo.co.uk.