Noel Blake

Noel Blake joined The FA as a National Coach in February 2007 and was installed as the Assistant Coach of the England U16 and U19 teams. He takes charge of the U19s in the 2009-10 season whilst previous Head Coach Brian Eastick is in charge of the U20 team.

His first match after joining The FA was an U16 friendly against Slovenia which ended in a 3-1 defeat for the Young Lions, but he also led the U20s to a 2-0 win against Italy in 2009 at Loftus Road.

As well as his work with the England development teams, the delivery of coach education is also a major aspect of Noel's role and he assists with the delivery of the UEFA ‘A’ Licence, UEFA Pro-Licence and Youth Coaches Course from the age of 17 through to 21.

The former Stoke City, Birmingham City, Portsmouth and Leeds United defender is a passionate, knowledgeable and experienced coach with young players, having previously been in charge of the Stoke City FC Academy.