Improtech Hall of Fame

Jordan Henderson

“I would certainly recommend the Improtech development programme to any aspiring young player who wants to improve all aspects of their technique.

“The intense technical drills inspire creativity and the vast experience of the Improtech coaches help them to create a learning environment that encourages freedom, expression, innovation and enjoyment.”

Jordan Henderson, Liverpool and England captain, who took part in Improtech training sessions as he worked on his game as a young player.

Ethan Robson – Blackpool FC

Ethan was our first ever Improtech player and is a central midfield player for MK Dons after playing in the first team at Sunderland AFC.

He is a strong running central midfield player with an eye for a goal.

Sam Greenwood - Leeds United

Sam was part of our Improtech academy and signed for Sunderland. He then joined Arsenal on a five year deal and was subequently  sold to Leeds United.

Sam is a striker who has recently made his first-team debut for Leeds.

Elliot Embleton - Sunderland AFC

Elliot is an attacking midfield player who has represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U20 levels.

He is currently on loan at Blackpool FC.

Poppy Pattinson - Everton

Poppy was one of our first ever Improtech scholars, joining at U13 level. She has played for Bristol City and now represents Everton. She played at left back in the 2020 women’s FA Cup final.

Kenton Richardson - Sunderland AFC U23s

Kenton was one of our first Improtech players and is a right full-back currently playing for Sunderland AFC Under 23s. Kenton has recently joined Notts County on loan.

Luca Murphy - Fulham FC U23s

Luca was part of an Improtech academy for 5 years before signing scholarship forms for Hartlepool FC and then was signed by Fulham FC for 800K.

A right back or centre half Luca has represented Fulham’s Under 18 and 23 sides.

Lewis Connolly - Morecambe FC

An ex-Improtech player. U17, Lewis plays right back or Centre midfield and is a scholar at Morecambe FC

Robson Shipley - Huddersfield Town U19s

Robson joined Huddersfield in the summer of 2019, having previously been at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United. An industrious forward with bundles of energy and an eye for goal, Robson can either play as a central striker or a wide player. He’s also been capped by Wales up to U17 level.

Logan Pye - Manchester United U23s

Logan is an attacking left-back or left side centre half who transferred to Manchester Utd from the Sunderland AFC Academy in 2019.

Logan was one of our Improtech scholars and is currently playing for Manchester Utd U23 side.

Max Kilsby - Carlisle United FC

Max is a very powerful and strong running left-sided player who has represented Carlisle at both U23 level and the first team.

Elliot Day - Carlisle United FC U18s

Elliot represents Carlisle U18s side and is a powerful centre back with outstanding leadership qualities.

Issac Robinson - Carlisle United FC U23s

Issac was a scholar with Improtech for five years and now represents Carlisle United U18 and U23 sides. Issac is a great shot stopper with a superb attitude.

 

Luca Nelson - Doncaster Rovers FC

Luca is a first-year scholar as of September 2019 and is a pacy, bustling striker. 

Luca was signed by Rovers mid-way through the 2018/19 season from Sunderland. Upon signing he was highly rated by academy manager Tony Cook and scored on his debut against Hartlepool in December 2018. 

Josh Clemitson - Doncaster Rovers FC U18s

Josh was awarded a first year scholar after impressing during his first season in the academy. The midfielder made his U18 debut in the 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool last season and has played a varied role for the U18s rotating in and out of the squad in the process.

Lucas Reed - Middlesbrough AFC U18s

Lucas was an Improtech scholar for five years and is a Scottish international and U18s player at Middlesbrough AFC. He’s a tough tackling central midfielder.

Joe Grey - Hartlepool United FC

Joe joined the Hartlepool Youth Academy last year from Wallsend Boys Club and quickly made a good impression on the coaching staff. He’s made a number of first-team appearances since making his debut in the FA Cup. 

Nathan Robertson - Newcastle United U18s

Nathan is an U18s player at Newcastle United. He’s a combative, hardworking central midfielder who was a scholar with Improtech for five years.

Josh Morton - Morecambe FC

Josh was part of our Friday night Elite squad and is a scholar at Morecambe FC. He plays right back or centre back.

Kyle Crossley - Newcastle United U18s

Kyle signed for Morecambe FC as a scholar before he was spotted by Newcastle United who signed him. He’s a very direct, quick striker who is a fine finisher. Kyle was a scholar with Improtech for five years.

Nathan Simpson - Middlesbrough AFC U18s

Nathan was an Improtech scholar for five years. He now plays across the midfield for Middlesbrough AFC U18s.

Ellis Stanton - Newcastle United U16s

Ellis is a product of years of Improtech coaching, dedication and hard work. He is an outstanding midfielder with an exquisite range of passing. Ellis has represented England at U16 level.

JD Costello - Middlesbrough AFC U16s

Centre back JD has been a member of the English Martyrs Football Academy for five years. He now plays for Middlesbrough AFC U16. He recently signed as a scholar at the club for two years.

Grace Ede - England U16s

Grace has been with Improtech since the age of eight. She’s a left footed centre midfielder who now represents England at U16 level.

Joe Hugill - Manchester United U23s

Joe began his football development with Improtech as a young player attending evening coaching sessions. He’s tipped to get first team experience this year.

Alex Johnson - Improtech Soccer Coach

A great example of the opportunities within the game, even for those not playing, Alex was part of one of our academies before gaining a scholarship at Rotherham FC where he played U18 and U23 levels. He’s been working on his coaching qualifications and is now our lead coach at St Bede’s Catholic School and is progressing with his UEFA B licence qualification.

Alex Johnson

Lewis Green

Lewis was with Improtech Soccer for a number of years before he took his talents to the USA. He’s currently continuing his education at Clayton State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He represents the ‘Lakers’ as they play in the NCAA DII Peach Belt Conference.

Luke Ridley

Luke is another former Improtech Soccer player who has continued his footballing education in the USA. He plays for the University of Illinois Springfield. The ‘Prairie Stars’ play in the NCAA Division II.

Sam Robinson

Former Improtech Soccer player Sam Robison has headed across the pond to play for Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, USA. He was part of the Improtech Soccer system for eight years and played for the Middlesbrough AFC academy.

Ryan Leonard

After being part of the Improtech Academy for five years, Ryan completed a scholarship at Sunderland AFC where he represented the U18 and U23 sides. Ryan has since achieved a scholarship at Missouri State University where he represents the ‘Bears’.

Joe Lockey

After playing for Improtech Soccer for five years, Joe recently achieved a football scholarship to play for the Aquinas College football programme in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Andy Kokoskova

Goalkeeper Andy is a former Improtech Soccer player who was part of the Sunderland College Football Development Centre. After three years with us, he’s now on a scholarship at the University of Colorado Springs.

Oliver Scott

Olly is an ex Improtech scholar who spent 5 years in our Elite programme. A very versatile left sided player who can also operate in the centre of the park he currently plays for Blyth Spartans AFC  in the National league north. Olly also coaches for Improtech.