As part of the i2i Soccer programme, students benefit from coaching with UEFA PRO Coaches, A Licensed Coaches, former English Premier League and International players, supported by experienced academics and industry experts, several of whom are renowned for their work in coaching across the world.
Find out more about the i2i International Soccer Academy's coaches below. Need help applying or want to find out more about Northumbria? Register your interest or contact Jamie Dixon, Sport International Recruitment and i2i Programme Manager.
Meet the Team
BRYAN HUGHES: HEAD OF COACHING
Bryan is a former professional football player who played in the English Premier League with Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic and Hull City. In a career spanning three decades, Bryan made nearly 500 pro appearances, playing against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham on a weekly basis.
As well as being the first player to score a goal in the new Millenium, Bryan can also lay claim to scoring a winning penalty for Charlton against Chelsea in one of Jose Mourinho’s very few defeats at Stamford Bridge.
As a UEFA A licensed coach, Bryan’s role is to oversee the pro-level coaching programme. He acts as a mentor for students on our programme.
Contact: bryan.hughes@enteri2i.com
DARREN WILLIAMS: LEAD COACH
Darren began his career at York City, but made his name at Sunderland in the English Premier League for whom he signed in 1996. He made more than 250 appearances for Sunderland and played in over 100 Premier League games for his club.
Darren moved to Cardiff City in 2004, then on Hartlepool United in 2005, and played for Bradford City during the 2007–08 season. He went on to play with Dundee, Gateshead and Gainsborough Trinity before joining Whitby. Darren is a UEFA A licensed coach and has also managed semi-professional team Whitby Town.
Contact: darren.williams@i2isports.com
STUART BRIGHTWELL: LEAD COACH
Stuart started his career out at none other than Manchester United playing in their youth system before moving onto a more local side for him in Hartlepool United as midfielder.
Stuart also featured for Spennymoor United before heading stateside to play in the USL impressing with the Carolina Railhawks playing 25 times.
Contact: stuart.brightwell@i2isports.com
PAUL BRYSON: LEAD COACH
Paul brings a wealth of experience to our coaching team up at Northumbria University after spending 20 years as an U18 Academy Coach at Sunderland AFC. During his time with the Black Cats he helped develop the game of Premier League and Champions League winner Jordan Henderson, now the captain of Liverpool.
Paul also enjoyed a lengthy stint leading the National College team for 8 years. Along with Henderson, he also helped nurture the likes of Chris Basham (Sheffield United), Adam Reach (Sheffield Wednesday), Martyn Waghorn (Derby County) and Sam Greenwood (Leeds United), and coached current players of Sunderland A.F.C; Andrew Pattinson, Elliott Embleton, Dan Neil and Lynden Gooch.
Contact: paul.bryson@i2isports.com
NICKY DEVERDICS: COACH
Nicky is a professional footballer who graduated out of the world famous Newcastle United Academy and featured for some fantastic clubs throughout his career including the likes of Hartlepool United, Wrexham, Barnet, Gretna, Dover Athletic and Gateshead.
Accumulating over 400 games at the professional level, Nicky brings a wealth of experience with him and he is a fantastic addition to our already elite team of coaches. Nicky brings a real passion and energetic vibe to the team with his enthusiastic coaching style.
Contact: nicky.deverdics@i2isports.com
IAN AITKEN: GOAL KEEPER COACH
Ian is a UEFA B licensed coach and during his career has worked with Newcastle United’s Academy and Newcastle United Women. Ian has a wealth of experience behind him as both a player and a coach. He made over 600 appearances as a goalkeeper for the likes of Gateshead, Gretna and Harrogate Town.
Ian is also current Goalkeeper Coach at National League North side Blyth Spartans, alongside fellow i2i Coach Nicky Deverdics.
Contact: ian.aitken@i2isports.com
CHRIS FAIRLESS: LEAD WOMEN'S COACH
Chris is the first ever Lead Coach of the i2i International Women’s Soccer Academy and brings a tremendous amount of experience with him after being Assistant Manager at Middlesbrough Women for over two years.
Chris also has experience working in the Men’s game with Championship club Middlesbrough coaching their Academy.
Contact: chris.fairless@i2isports.com
LAUREN ROBSON: WOMEN'S COACH
Lauren joined us in September 2022 and will assist Chris Fairless in coaching our Women’s Academy which continues to go from strength to strength.
Lauren is a young, passionate coach who has previously worked at Huddersfield Town Park View, the reigning National Football Youth League champions. Alongside her coaching career, Lauren also plays for Newcastle United Women after moving up the pyramid from Middlesbrough.
Contact: lauren.robson@i2isports.com
COREY ROPER: HEAD OF RECRUITMENT
After signing for Leeds United’s Academy at the age of 7, Corey signed a scholarship in 2012 before going on to represent the whites at U18 and U21 level. More recently, Corey signed a three-year deal at Wrexham FC making his debut in 2015.
Corey recently graduated from university with a 1st class Honors degree in Sports Coaching, along with gaining his Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification and Level 2 Fitness Instructor.
Contact: corey.roper@i2isports.com
JAMIE DIXON: SPORT INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & i2i PROGRAMME MANAGER
Jamie has worked at Northumbria University for 10 years. Jamie completed his degree at Northumbria University and has completed his PGCE which is a recognised teaching qualification in the UK.
Overseeing the i2i programme on campus at Northumbria, Jamie liaises with timetabling, accommodation, academic programme leaders as well as other stake holders.
Jamie is here to help you through the whole process, from application to arrival on campus. Jamie is more than happy to set up Zoom meetings or WhatsApp calls with regards to any questions you or your family have about life at Northumbria from accommodation and student life to campus facilities and academic programmes, so please do get in touch to discuss any questions you may have.
Contact: jamie2.dixon@northumbria.ac.uk
SAM SUMMERBEE: RECRUITER
Sam joined the i2i recruitment team at the beginning of the 2022/23 season. Sam enjoyed many of his youth playing years at Manchester City all the way up to the U16 age group. Following on from that he also enjoyed playing for Accrington Stanley, FC United of Manchester and Hyde United as well as getting the opportunity to train with NYCFC and players like David Villa and Andrea Pirlo.
Sam has a great track record of recruiting international student athletes to England and also has experience of attending various tournaments in the USA.
Contact: sam.summerbee@i2isports.com
CHARLIE GORE: RECRUITER
Charlie is a dedicated Sports Recruiter for the 2i International Soccer Academy, playing a crucial role in identifying and recruiting soccer student-athletes. With a background that includes graduating from the i2i Football Academy program while simultaneously engaging in semi-pro football, Charlie brings a unique blend of academic and on-field experience.
Notably, Charlie's commitment extends beyond borders, having spent two years volunteering in Africa. This experience reflects not only a passion for soccer but also a broader commitment to community and personal development. Additionally, Charlie is fluent in French, adding linguistic versatility to our team.
Contact: charlie.gore@i2isports.com
JAMES COULBECK: RECRUITER
James is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in football both sides of the Atlantic. Before joining i2i, he served as the Head of Men’s Football at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN).
A graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University with a first-class honours degree in Coaching and Sports Development, James boasts a UEFA B Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award. He was also part of the inaugural cohort of the Premier League and Kick It Out Game Changer Program, focusing on nurturing young leaders in football.
Contact: james.coulbeck@i2isports.com
ORRIN MAYALL: RECRUITER
Orrin is a Sports Recruiter at the i2i International Soccer Academy and plays a pivotal role in identifying and recruiting talented soccer student-athletes. With a dynamic background that includes graduating from the i2i Football Academy program. Orrin brings a wealth of first-hand experience to his role.
Orrin's commitment extends internationally, as evidenced by his two-year volunteer experience in Brazil. This period not only underscores his dedication to soccer but also reflects a broader passion for community engagement and cultural exchange. Additionally, Orrin is fluent in Portuguese, further enriching the team with linguistic versatility.
Contact: orrin.mayall@i2isports.com
