Matlock Town's Liam Hughes launches new football academy

Liam Hughes hopes to expand his new academy in the coming months.

LIFE (Liam Isaac Football Elite) was launched in the summer and held its first sessions when lockdown restrictions were eased.

Hughes currently plays for The Gladiators and his former clubs include Scunthorpe United, Cambridge United, Barrow, Darlington and Bradford PA.

Set up with fellow coach Isaac Wilinsky, LIFE coaches players aged four to 14.

Rotherham-born Hughes said: “Our objective is to be that bridge to help players step up to academies with professional clubs but, more than that, it’s about giving young players a more rounded experience to help them learn valuable skills they can use away from football.

“Of course, we want to help them develop their football skills and, ideally, go on to professional academies, but we also want them to learn essential skills such as concentration, work ethic, teamwork, discipline and loving what you do.”

Current LIFE sessions are based at Soccer Sensations in East Hull and Hughes is planning to expand the business into other areas.

He said: “At the moment, there’s just two coaches - Issac and me - and one of the ways we ensure the standard is high is to have a strict limit on the number of players we register.

“I’m pleased to say we are already seeing an increase in demand as word gets around and the next steps are to recruit more coaches and expand the business to serve more areas in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and beyond.”

Hughes’s own career as a professional footballer was affected by mental health issues and last year founded WAND, an organisation dedicated to raise awareness of and offer support to others struggling with similar issues through a series of workshops and talks.

Hughes, 28, said: “There’s a lot of pressure on young people these days and nowhere more so than in the football world.

“I know that from my own experience and that’s why I am passionate about making sure our coaching not only focuses on developing playing ability but also provides a safe and supportive place to enjoy this great game we all love.”

To find out more about LIFE, call Liam Hughes on 07510 025851 or email [email protected]