We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Lowe as Hartlepool United Academy Manager.
Andy is a vastly experienced Coach, Coach Educator and Academy Manager who holds the UEFA A licence and MSc in Coaching. Andy has worked in player/coach development/education for over twenty years and has held previous roles which include working full time for the National FA as a County Coach Developer, (leading on Coach Education courses up to UEFA level); Middlesbrough FC (Academy Coach); England schools u18 assistant Coach; Secondary PE Teacher and Year leader and most recently full time Academy Manager for National league North Spennymoor Town FC.
Andy Lowe added:
‘I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to become Academy Manager at Hartlepool United Football Club and really look forward to re-establishing a Football League Academy in the club. The role provides an exciting opportunity to lead on all aspects of the club’s academy in developing a strategy and structure, which ensures we have a successful academy that produces players capable of playing for the first team for years to come.’
‘Our immediate aim will be looking to achieve and maintain Category 4 status, with the longer-term objective of achieving category 3 status in the future’.
Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Hobin said:
‘I am thrilled we have managed to secure Andy (Lowe) as our new Academy Manager following our successful Cat 4 application for the 2022/23 season. Andy was a stand out candidate and is far more than just great coach on the grass. We were looking for someone who can shape the future of our Academy as a programme developer not just a coach and in Andy we have a wealth of experience having worked at Middlesbrough as Academy coach for almost 10 years and part of the team that achieved EPPP Cat 1 status. He has also worked for the FA before more recently enjoying a successful spell at Spennymoor academy.
Andy will report directly into myself and the therefore the board and we will work very closely over the coming months to develop the strategy short, medium and long term. He has extensive experience in developing player pathways which is vital, together with the necessary skills and experience on and off the grass to move this exciting project forward. His knowledge of the FA, EPPP and youth development polices and legislation will be crucial to get the academy established this season with one eye on the next few years.
Having the academy back in the club and continuing our first class education programme through our long established partners at Hartlepool College, is a really is a pivotal moment in the future of Hartlepool United and I would like to wish Andy the best of luck in his career with us.’