Pro Academy Visit

We are delighted to announce that in June, our club will be welcoming a highly respected figure from the professional game for a special week of elite coaching, player education, and talent identification.

Joining us will be Nicky Eaden, Senior Professional Development Coach at Barnsley FC, England!

About Nicky Eaden

Nicky Eaden brings elite-level experience as both a former professional player and a senior coach.

As a player, Nicky enjoyed an outstanding career, making over 550 appearances in the Football League as a full-back. He played at the very highest level as part of the Barnsley squad that competed in the Premier League during the 1997–98 season, and also won promotions to the top flight with Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic. His career included spells with clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Lincoln City.

Transitioning into coaching during the latter stages of his playing career, Nicky has gone on to hold coaching and leadership roles at clubs including Leicester City, Coventry City, Chesterfield, Peterborough United and Rotherham United. He now plays a key role in developing young players within the professional pathway at Barnsley FC.

What Will the Week Include?

• Elite training sessions reflecting professional academy standards

• High-level coaching content focused on technique, decision-making, and game understanding

• Player education around mindset, habits, and long-term development

• Talent identification and observation, with constructive feedback for players and coaches

• Observation of selected New Frontier matches, with post-match feedback provided to players

Why This Is a Fantastic Opportunity for Our Players

This visit is a fantastic opportunity for our players to experience professional coaching standards and gain insight into the academy pathway. We’re proud to offer this across selected male and female teams and look forward to a brilliant week for everyone involved.