HELPING PLAYERS KICK ON - ON AND OFF THE PITCH.

WHat We Believe In:

INCLUSIVITY.

We believe that everyone deserves the chance to play the game, which is why we’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or ability.

We're proud to have a diverse coaching team with a range of backgrounds and experiences - all of whom are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture that promotes respect and understanding among players.

OPPORTUNITY.

One of the fundamental reasons why we built the Academy was to provide an accessible platform for young Yorkshire-based players to reach their full potential. Our sessions are designed to challenge and inspire players of all ages and abilities.

Whether you are just starting out or have been playing for years, KONA sessions are for you.

FUN.

We know from experience that when you are having fun, you’re more likely to be motivated, engaged and committed to improving your skills. That's why we place a strong emphasis on making our coaching sessions both enjoyable and rewarding.

We're dedicated to creating a supportive and positive learning environment where players can feel comfortable trying new things and making mistakes.

Meet the FOUNDERS

Man standing outdoors on a sports field, wearing a black athletic shirt with white accents, smiling at the camera.
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  • Co-Founder and Lead Coach

    Alex is a professional footballer, who currently plays for Leeds United in the Premier League. Starting out in the Leeds United academy, Alex has gone on to play over 300 professional games as a goalkeeper, with over 200 of those in League One with Fleetwood Town, before returning to Elland Road from Salford City in July 2024. Having grown up in Doncaster, Alex wanted to build the Academy to offer a safe and fun learning environment for the local community, using all of his experience as a player to inspire the next generation.

  • Co-Founder and Lead Coach

    Callum is a professional footballer, who currently plays for York City as captain. Having joined the Scunthorpe United Academy at 14, Callum has established himself as a commanding defender in the National League, having played over 400 career games. Born and bred in Doncaster, the Kick On Academy is an opportunity for Callum to create the pathway that he never had growing up, and one that can help more players progress from grassroots into Academies.

Meet the Coaches

  • A smiling young man with curly brown hair and a beard, wearing a black sports shirt with the logo 'KONKICK ON ACADEMY' and the initials 'DH,' standing against a plain green background.

    Declan Howe

    Declan Howe has dedicated his whole life to football, whether this be through playing or coaching the sport. He grew up playing academy football and currently plays for Scunthorpe United. Dec has many years of coaching experience both in the USA and England and is a fully licensed UEFA B coach, also possessing a university degree in football coaching.

  • Young man with curly red hair and a beard, smiling, standing outdoors on a sports field in a black athletic shirt with logos and initials.

    Tom Jackson

    Coach TJ is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Stamford AFC in the Sountern Central Premier League. He is an FA qualified football coach and also works as a physiotherapist. His previous football clubs include Rotherham United, Gainsbrough Trinity, Cleethorpes Town, Belper Town, North Ferriby, Frickley Athletic and Bridlington Town.

  • Young man wearing a black sports shirt with white logos and initials standing on a soccer field.

    Shay Buxton

    Shay joined the KONA team in March after starting coaching in 2020. He played for Doncaster Rovers from the age of 10 to 16 but unfortunately didn’t get offered a scholarship. He is now playing for Doncaster City, after spending the last 2 years at Chesterfield FC, where he travelled with the squad for the FA Trophy and received a squad number, while also gaining valuable experience by regularly training with the first team.

  • A smiling man in a black athletic shirt standing outdoors on a sports field.

    Will Biggs

    Will Biggs is one of our goalkeeping specialists. Having played local Sunday league Will signed for Scunthorpe United up until 16 where he then joined Doncaster Rovers as an apprentice.

    After not receiving a pro contract, he pursued a career in teaching; gaining a Sports Science Degree and PGCE, as well as numerous Coaching and Personal Training qualifications. Alongside teaching Will has played for local sides Armthorpe Welfare and Rossington Main and also been the First team Goalkeeper Coach at Buxton and Grantham FC.

    Will is currently a Sports Lecturer and Course Leader at Club Doncaster Sports College and is a regular at our Wednesday night sessions.

  • A smiling man with a beard wearing a black sports shirt standing in front of a dark green background.

    Nathan Fawley

    Growing up playing on the Sunday league pitches across Doncaster, Nathan has spent the last 13 years involved in coaching after taking his first session at aged 16. Nathan has worked with countless young people to develop their footballing ability.

    Whilst an experienced teacher, Nathan has coached across all ages and abilities even spending time out in America working with a football charity in Atlanta to provide coaching and participation opportunities to refugee and disadvantaged young people.

    Nathan is an FA qualified coach and also holds and undergraduate degree in Physical Education and a masters degree in Sports Science. A coach who has been there from KONAs beginning, Nathan has really helped all at here to grow their understanding around adaptive coaching and ensuring all abilities are targeting.

    He can’t wait to continue his work in the ever growing journey at KONA, helping young people develop skills required for life both on and off the pitch.

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    Kieran Edgson

    Kieran initially joined KONA on work experience and after impressing the coaching staff and having a really good willingness to learn, he was brought in for all our sessions. Kieran finished studying Physical Education and Sports Coaching at University Campus Doncaster in 2025, where he received a First Class Honours Degree, and where he has gained valuable skills and qualities that can be transferred into our sessions. Kieran started playing football at the age of 4. He has played for local grassroots teams Scawthorpe Scorpions, Sprotbrough and Cusworth Crusaders, Brodsworth Welfare and AFC Bentley.

  • A smiling man with a beard and curly hair, wearing a black sports shirt with logos, standing outdoors on a grassy field during daytime.

    Liam Gallagher

    Liam is a secondary school teacher by day and outfield coach for KONA by night. He is proud to be part of the Kona journey having been a coach for over 12 months.

    Liam has played football since the age of six and is still playing as a midfielder at Sunday league level.