The Coaches
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Harry O'Riordan
FIFA Licensed Agent, UEFA Qualified Coach
I have been working in football for over 15 years, I am a UEFA qualified coach, PFSA qualified scout and FIFA Licenced Agent who has been helping players from across England, Europe and America develop and sign for professional clubs. I have run a football development programme in the UK which has supported over 100 players sign for clubs such as Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Manchester United and many more.
I am currently the Academy Director at Hemel Hempstead Town FC as well as being company director of ProFormance Global and ProFormance Pathways.
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Anthony Edgar
UEFA qualified coach who is currently working at West Ham United FC, has played for West Ham making his debut v Arsenal FC in the FA Cup as well as also playing for clubs such as Bournemouth FC.
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Sam Rawlings
My coaching journey started back in 2009 working in local schools and setting up development centres helping players bridge the gap between grassroots and academy football. I spent time working at Reading FC in their Centre of Excellence and shortly after I headed up the Arsenal Soccer Schools programme across London and the surrounding area. In 2016 I joined Watford FC as a coach, where I spent seven years assisting and leading age groups across the U9-U21s academy, before progressing into a role as Head of Academy Operations. This is where I spent a large part of my career studying youth development and progressing through the FA Coaching pathway.
After completing my UEFA A Licence in 2022, I moved on and joined Arsenal FC at their world renowned Hale End Academy as the Games Programme Manager. Most recently I have progressed to oversee the U9-U16 programme as an Academy Operations Manager and am fortunate enough to see the next generation of top talents coming through one of the best academies in the world.
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Adamo Balletta
I’m from the UK and have been coaching in professional football for nearly two decades.
I hold the UEFA A Licence and the FA Advanced Youth Award, which means I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to help players like you grow both on and off the field.
I’ve worked with some fantastic clubs back home—8 years at Luton Town, 3 years at Stevenage, and for the past 7 years, I’ve been at Watford FC, where I’m currently the Lead Phase Coach for our U9 to U14 academy players. Over the years I’ve worked with some great players who now play in the premier league so I have a good understanding of what elite looks like.
My role is all about helping young players develop their technical skills, tactical understanding, and love for the game.
I’m really excited to be coming to you in July. My goal is to create a fun, challenging environment where we can push each other to improve every day. I’m here to support you, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully help you take your game to the next level.
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Selin Buyukgiray
With a Sports and Exercise Science degree and a UEFA C License, I bring a blend of academic expertise and elite playing experience to my coaching. I started at Brentford's academy from U6 to U8, before moving to the Middlesex Centre of Excellence — a top development pathway for future England internationals and professional women’s players. I’ve since coached and worked at some of footballs most respected organizations including Chelsea FC, ProFormance Global, and Train Effective.
Today, I’m proud to be part of Arsenal FC’s pre-academy coaching team, where I help shape the next generation of talent with a focus on technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience.
Passionate about developing players both on and off the pitch, I combine real-world playing experience with modern coaching methodologies to help young athletes reach their full potential
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Derry Hart
Played football regionally from 7 years old until 16 before going into coaching.
Been coaching since 2014 in professional academy environments, spent 5 years at Coventry City FC in the academy coaching within the foundation phase. For the last 6 seasons I’ve been at Arsenal’s academy currently working as a full time coach in the foundation phase.
Currently hold two UEFA B Licenses in Football and Futsal as well as the FA Advanced Youth Award
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Harvey Griffin
I fell in love with coaching and found a real passion for it from a young age. Being only 19 I have been exposed to many different working environments, working with company’s such as : Train effective, Titans Academy, ProFormance Global and now I’m currently a lead coach for Hemel Hempstead U19s on the college programme scheme.
I achieved my base level qualifications Fa Playmaker, Fa Level 1 at 16 and I have now progressed and completed my FA Level 1 in Talent Identification and UEFA C.
Being 19, I still play football when I can. Finding a balance between coaching and playing can be difficult but I have recently signed for Ayelsbury Vale Dynamos who compete in the Spartan south midlands league (step 5) in English football which is Semi pro level.
I love the sport, and I love what I do. When I coach I present that and I bring lot of energy and enthusiasm to the pitch.
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Kian Dickens
I have always had a huge passion for football and now more so over the last couple of years a passion for coaching football and improving footballers. I have been coaching for just under two years and have just completed my FA Level 1, introduction to football coaching badge and can’t wait to get more.
I have played football ever since I could walk and had some great opportunities when I was younger to be in and around the Tottenham FC academy for two years, as well as having trials at numerous top flight clubs. I currently play for Hemel Hempstead Town FC’s college program and was lucky enough to be apart of an amazing run in the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago. I’m currently coaching for two companies: ProFormance Pathways and Titans FA. I also do 1:1 sessions for any players that are interested.