On Friday we announced that Sam Sutton will leave his role as Emley Academy Manager in the next few weeks, along with his assistant coaches Peter Walker and Alex Overton. Sam has spearheaded the Academy since its launch in 2020. By investing his time, vision and experience, Sam has built strong foundations for the future of Emley AFC. We want to say a huge thank you and we would like to share some of Sam’s personal highlights before he moves his attention full time to Barnsley FC.

Sam, so it’s official, you are leaving Emley AFC, I’m sure this was a difficult decision, you have been so invested into the Academy programme since its conception, how are you feeling?

"I’m genuinely really sad to be leaving but I know it’s the right time. Dom Webster will take things on stronger and I’ll definitely be down for a game or two throughout the season. I will keep a close eye on the club and academy’s progress.

When I joined the club 2.5 years ago, there was no junior or academy set up, only a link to Kirklees college, but in the last two and a half years we’ve managed to establish both an u23 and U18 team. Emley previously had a strong academy set up going back a few years now, so it was important to bring that back for the club and for talented local youngsters. We have also been able to secure an official partner in Yorkshire Regional Talent Centre and the Academy has built a strong reputation for having good teams / players that play entertaining football and are difficult to beat.”

Do you have any moments you would like to share with us key to your time at Emley Academy?

One of my personal highlights is seeing a number of players progressing well, George Doyle has performed so well for the first team, scoring a number of important goals through the season. That will always be the measure of any successful academy set up, how many players can you produce and move across to the first team. Jack Bennett, Lennon O’Grady, Hayden Webster, Sandy Masuku, Josh Calvert only to name a few have also had multiple first team appearances which is pleasing, particularly so early on into the programme.

A stand out moment over the last 2 years was our cup success last season, when we secured the West Riding U23 Cup. What it meant to the group of players, the commitment they showed, especially coming out of the last stretch of the pandemic it signalled a bright future for individuals and the club and really put us on the map on year 1 at our level. This was a great achievement from everyone involved and one I’m sure they’ll remember for years to come.

I know some of the biggest successes are still to come, with some excellent players in the system, they will kick on and rise up the ladder over the next couple of years.”

Did you prepare for stepping out of the role of Academy Manager?

"Whilst I didn’t anticipate it being so soon, the successful recruitment of the U18 manager and his coaching team was something that needed consideration for me personally when helping select them last year, I was ensuring it could be someone who could take things on in the future when the time came for me to leave. I know for sure we are in safe hands with Dom and Omar."

Thank you for sharing some of your highlights with us Sam, what’s next for you?

"I have a new role working with the U12-U14s in the Academy at Barnsley FC. This ties in closely with my day job already at Barnsley and with both, I won’t be able to give Emley the time and commitment it deserves next season. I’ve managed to navigate both in the short term as I wanted to honour my commitment to the club and complete the season, and have been grateful for the support around me that has helped me do this."

Is there anyone you would like to put the spotlight on who has made your Emley journey complete?

“There is loads I would love to single out for thank yous. Firstly I want to mention my right & left hand men Peter Walker and Alex Overton who are simply excellent at what they do and I thoroughly enjoy working with. We are very much a three man band and without them the success isn’t possible. All the players that have represented us in the last two seasons, the highs, the lows and the constant togetherness has been much appreciated by myself, Pete and Ovie. Finally, I would also to send a huge thank you to Marcus, John, Andrew & Joanna who have always supported me in the background since I joined and have made my time at the club so enjoyable. Marcus in particular has really been good to me and we have spent a lot of time working together, his passion for Emley is clear and constantly made me feel proud to lead the Academy."

Thank you for your time Sam, wishing you all the best. Here are a few words from Marcus Pound, Director of Football: “A huge thanks to Sam and his team for putting in the foundations of our Academy, which we will continue to build on with Dom and Omar. The Academy is essential to the growth of Emley AFC, with over 12 players making the team sheet for the first team in 2021/22. Sam, Pete and Alex have been key to the success of the Academy so far and we will remain grateful for their passion and commitment that has got us where we are. You will be missed, we will be following your career progress closely. Good Luck from everyone at the club.”

Please show your support and join us by wishing farewell and thank you to Sam Sutton, Peter Walker and Alex Overton.

Remaining U23 fixtures:
Monday 9th May (A)
8.05pm KO
i2i Black v U23
i2i International Soccer Academy, Nether Poppleton, York, YO26 6PH

Monday 23rd May (H)
8.05pm KO
U23 v Ilkley
West Riding County FA, LS26 8NX

If you would like to play for Emley AFC or Emley Academy next season, sign up for our Open Trials which will be taking place at the end of May / early June.
More information on Open Trials
Sign up for Open Trials