Kevin Thelwell has been appointed the FA’s Elite Coach Developer, tasked with supporting the progression of elite homegrown coaches.
Thelwell’s strategic role at St. George’s Park will span both women’s and men’s football, reporting into Dan Ashworth, the chief football officer at the national football centre.
A UEFA Pro and FA Technical Director licence holder, Thelwell will have a close relationship with senior England Football Learning colleagues and their shared priority of developing high-calibre coaches working at the top level of the game or who have potential to do so. Complementing existing high-level programmes and course delivery, he will oversee the provision of support tailored to coaches’ needs on behalf of the FA.
Thelwell has a decade of significant experience at major clubs, most recently as sporting director at Rangers and for three years prior as director of football at Everton. Across his career he has developed an array of whole game knowledge, including leading the women’s set-up at his last two clubs and forging a deep understanding of senior and academy football.
He said: “I'm delighted to be joining the FA at such an exciting time, and to get the chance to help take coaching excellence in this country to the next level. I know there is a real desire at St. George’s Park to step up the support for homegrown coaches at all levels and to give them the tools they need to complement their day-to-day roles.
“Succession planning and elite coach development will be an essential part of my remit, and it is vital that we also work with the talented coaches within our own pathway. I hope to build on my strong relationships across the game, and work with clubs and all our key partners for everyone’s benefit.”
Expanding on those important touchpoints as part of his daily work, Thelwell will stay closely connected to the League Managers Association, Women’s Super League, Premier League, EFL, and Professional Football Association.
Prior to Everton, Thelwell had two years as head of sport for New York Red Bulls gaining experience of the emerging US soccer market and its progress in data and innovation.
He had moved there after first making his name as sporting director at Wolverhampton Wanderers as they rose to the Premier League. Before then, Thelwell, a former professional with Shrewsbury Town, gained significant experience in academy football with Preston North End and Derby County. He had already secured a grounding in coach education and talent identification in six years with the Football Association of Wales.
FA chief football officer Dan Ashworth said: “I'm very happy that Kevin is going to bring to St. George’s Park his considerable experience of working within elite clubs, from training ground to boardroom. We want to do more to help the pipeline of homegrown coaches, and his insight will play a pivotal role in helping them to fulfil their potential while ensuring clubs at home and abroad see them as options when recruiting.
“There has been some outstanding work across the game to further the development of homegrown players over the last ten years, and there is no reason why this should not be possible too with our coaches - working in partnership across the English game.
"There are already elite coaches setting the standard, and in Kevin we have the right person to ensure we are doing all we can to support others and, in turn, help our England teams in future.”
