JAMIE BENNETT - FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF SPORT

Jamie Bennett brings a wealth of playing, coaching and assessment qualities to our organisation. His soccer playing experience includes:

» Chesterfield F.C. 1991-93
» Mansfield Town F.C. 1993-95
» Shirebrook Town F.C. 1995-96
» Heanor Town F.C. 1996-1998

Jamie fully understands the fundamentals and the pit falls of pursuing an academic/sports scholarship without professional guidance. Jamie obtained his scholarship mainly through his own endeavours and admits that at times, it was hard work. He moved to the USA on an academic/sports scholarship in 1998 at Methodist College, North Carolina. After playing soccer for Methodist for 4 years, he gained a BSc in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration.

Jamie's list of honours includes:
» 4 years playing college soccer in the United States
» Named All Conference, All South soccer awards
» F.A. Licensed coach, Qualified SAQ Instructor
» Chief soccer instructor at Fayetteville Academy High School
» Staff Coach at Fayetteville Soccer Club
» Involved in ODP player assessment
» College lecturer in Sports Science & Sport Academy Co-ordinator
» Mansfield Town F.C. Head Coach (Centre of Excellence)
» Director of Football, Heanor Town Football Club

As a result of his studying, playing and coaching experiences, Jamie has built up an extensive range of communication with University/College sports coaches throughout the USA.

Sports-ed is proud to have him on board, as he is fully qualified to communicate with potential scholars and their families.

JODY CAUDWELL - SOCCER CONSULTANT

Jody comes to Sports-ed viewed as a huge asset to our consultancy staff. Jody will be responsible for the day to day running of our athletes within our Sports Scholarship Programs. Jody brings a youthful and energetic look to the organisation.

Having studied Sports Science at Sheffield Hallam University and spent much of his early football career at Mansfield Town FC Jody has a vast knowledge of the game. After graduating from University he has continued to build a fantastic coaching portfolio which has seen him working in America for the past nine months, working as a Football Youth Development Officer on the West Coast of the USA. Jody has previously worked closely with local schools helping with Sports Development and youth mentoring and has also had spells coaching abroad in Australia.

» BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Technology Sheffield Hallam University
» Soccer Coaching UEFA B Licence
»Spent several years coaching in the USA at Elite Soccer Levels

Jody looks forward to working with our athletes and being a key element in their ambitions to play College Sport in the US

IAN BROWN - GOLF CONSULTANT

We at Sports-ed are delighted that Ian Brown has joined our consultancy staff. His golf experience and expertise will be a real asset to many young golfer's who are wishing to take the golf scholarship program route.

Ian's role at Sports-ed will be involved with both the recruitment and placement of our male and female elite golfer's

Some of Ian's accomplishments are:
» Won the Nottinghamshire Boys Strokeplay Championship in 2003 and 2004.
»Won Nottinghamshire Boys Matchplay Championship in 2004.
»Won Nottinghamshire Youths Championship in 2004.
»Won Nottinghamshire Schools Strokeplay Championship in 2003.
»Won Nottinghamshire Schools Matchplay Championship in 2002 and 2003.
»Represented Nottinghamshire in both Four Counties and Ten Counties Competition.

Had experience in playing all English Major events i.e. Brabazon Trophy, English Amatuer, British Boys Championship, Carris Trophy.
Also all Midland Region Order of Merit events i.e. Hollinwell Trophy, Hampshire Hog etc

Overall had many succesfull finsihes in many top amatuer events gaining massive experience and gaining knowledge of whats needed to become a top amatuer and professional.

Ian turned professional in 2006 when he completed his PGA diploma in Golf. Since, he has graduated to become a level 2 PGA coach. Also in 2006, Ian won the Notts Assistants Championship and was runner up a year later in 2007. He has played in a vast range of professional tournaments, consequently gaining a fantastic knowledge of what is required to be an elite golfer.

PAUL SMITH - HEAD OF SOOCER - SPORTS-ED USA

Paul Smith will head Sports-ed USA Soccer Programs based over in the USA.

Born in Nottingham, England. Paul signed with Notts County F.C as a trainee professional in 1991, aged 16. After playing at youth and reserve level for 2 years, he moved to the USA in 1995 to attend Methodist College in North Carolina, reaching a NCAA Div III National Championship his first season. In 1996, he was voted All- American and over his 4 seasons he won USA Conference Player of the year, as well as, three All-South region selections, before graduating with a BS in Physical Education in 1999.

After graduating, Paul went on to work for the Fayetteville Soccer club, North Carolina, as Director of Youth Development, Starting their academy and developmental soccer programs for ages 8 - 12. After 3 successful years, Charlotte Soccer Club, NC, offered him the chance to create their new youth development programs for ages 8 - 12. At Charlotte Soccer Club, Paul was responsible for growing their youth program from 2 to 20 teams, conducting parent education classes and designing a system of player development that promoted a large percentage of players to the University/College level. Paul also coached Charlotte SC’s 87 Blue to a Super-Y National Final.

In 2003, Paul moved on to Atlanta, Georgia to become Academy Director at the 5th nationally ranked soccer club, Concorde Fire.

He holds a English FA Level 1 & 2 badge and a USSF National Youth diploma.

BEN WARNER - BASKETBALL CONSULTANT

Ben has recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University and has joined our organisation to help develop the Basketball Scholarship Program that we currently offer.

Ben has an extensive basketball background having been a member of Thames Valley Tigers U16 & U18 national league squads and Reading Rockets U18 national League squad. During the 2003 – 04 season Ben joined the Reading Rockets Junior Scholarship Programme. During his time on the programme Ben worked as a community basketball coach and joined the senior men’s squad, competing in the England Basketball League division 1.

As a result of this programme and after great endeavour Ben gained an athletic scholarship to attend Lewis and Clark Community College, where he spent a good period of time in the US system competing on the men’s basketball squad. Ben looks forward to working with young basketball players and helping them to realise their ambitions.

Ben has a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Management, Nottingham Trent University.

He is also a England Basketball Level 2 Coach.

Sports-ed are very pleased to have Ben part of their staff.