Campioni Legends & Coaches

Gabriel Agbonlahor

Former Aston Villa forward and Premier League star, is a key coach at Campioni Soccer Academy, where he helps develop young footballers. Known for his pace, versatility, and goal-scoring ability, Agbonlahor brings a wealth of professional experience and insight to every session. At Campioni, he focuses on improving players’ technical skills, game awareness, and confidence, while inspiring them to work hard, stay dedicated, and enjoy the game.

John Barnes MBE

One of England’s most iconic and skilful footballers, is among the legendary players who help train and mentor the youngsters at Campioni Soccer Academy. Renowned for his dazzling dribbling, creativity, and football intelligence from his days with Liverpool and the England national team, John brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to every session. His enthusiasm for the game and commitment to nurturing young talent make him an invaluable part of the academy. Under his guidance, the kids at Campioni not only develop their technical ability but also learn to play with confidence, flair, and respect – the true hallmarks of the beautiful game.

Franny Benali

A true Southampton legend and one of football’s most respected defenders, plays a vital role at Campioni Soccer Academy, helping to train and inspire young players. Known for his dedication, leadership, and never-say-die attitude during his long career, Franny brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to every session. His focus on discipline, teamwork, and resilience both on and off the pitch makes him an invaluable mentor for aspiring footballers. At Campioni, Franny not only helps the kids develop their defensive skills but also instils in them the passion, commitment, and love for the game that defined his career.

Jay Bothroyd

Jay Bothroyd is a former professional striker whose career spanned 23 years and over 500 club appearances. An Arsenal academy graduate, Jay became a prolific goalscorer for clubs including Coventry City, Wolves, Cardiff City, and QPR, ultimately earning an England cap in 2010. His career also took him onto the global stage, with successful stints in Italy (Perugia) and Japan (Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Jubilo Iwata) before his retirement in 2022.

Since hanging up his boots, Jay has successfully transitioned into a media personality and football pundit for Sky Sports. However, his greatest post-retirement passion is golf. Now an ambassador for the sport, Jay joined England Golf’s Game Changers initiative in 2025 to promote inclusivity and accessibility. He is the co-founder of the YouTube channel The OuttaBoundz Show and is a dedicated supporter of Prostate Cancer UK, using his platform to raise funds and awareness for the charity’s Big Golf Race. Whether on the pitch or the green, Jay is committed to mentoring the next generation and challenging the traditional boundaries of sport.

Wes Brown

Former Manchester United and England defender, is one of the football legends who helps train and inspire the young players at Campioni Soccer Academy. Having won multiple Premier League titles and Champions League trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson, Wes brings a wealth of top-level experience and professionalism to every session. His calm leadership, defensive expertise, and genuine passion for developing young talent make him a huge asset to the academy. Through his guidance, the kids at Campioni not only improve their technical skills but also learn the importance of teamwork, resilience, and dedication both on and off the pitch.

Andrew Cole

One of the Premier League’s all-time great strikers, Andrew Cole brings world-class experience and inspiration to Campioni Soccer Academy. A multiple Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winner with Manchester United, Cole is renowned for his sharp finishing, professionalism, and winning mentality. His involvement gives young players a unique chance to learn from a true legend and understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

James Collins

Former Wales international James Collins is a commanding presence both on and off the pitch. With over 300 Premier League appearances for West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Cardiff City, he earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable and determined defenders.

Renowned for his strength, leadership, and professionalism, Collins brings those same qualities to Campioni Soccer Academy, where he inspires and mentors young players. His experience at the top level offers invaluable insight into defensive discipline, teamwork, and the dedication needed to succeed in the modern game.

Dion Dublin

Former Premier League striker and England international, is one of the football legends helping to train and inspire young players at Campioni Soccer Academy. Renowned for his strength, skill, and goal-scoring ability during his time with clubs such as Manchester United, Coventry City, and Aston Villa, Dion brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to every session. Alongside his football work, he’s now a familiar face on television as a presenter of the popular property show Homes Under the Hammer. At Campioni, Dion combines his charisma, professionalism, and passion for mentoring to help young players build confidence, improve their technique, and develop a lifelong love for the game.

Robbie Fowler

One of the most prolific goal scorers in Premier League history, is a key figure helping to coach and inspire young players at Campioni Soccer Academy. Best known for his incredible finishing ability and legendary career at Liverpool and with England, Robbie brings elite-level insight and enthusiasm to every training session. His passion for developing young talent shines through as he shares his knowledge of striking, positioning, and game intelligence with the next generation. At Campioni, Robbie’s down-to-earth approach and wealth of experience motivate the kids to work hard, believe in themselves, and enjoy every moment on the pitch.

Denis Irwin

One of Manchester United’s most decorated defenders and a true football legend, is a valued coach at Campioni Soccer Academy. Renowned for his consistency, professionalism, and versatility, Irwin won numerous Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League during his illustrious career. At Campioni, he shares his wealth of experience with young players, helping them develop their defensive skills, tactical understanding, and overall game intelligence. His guidance not only improves their abilities on the pitch but also instils the discipline, dedication, and love for football that defined his remarkable career.

Matt Le Tissier

One of English football’s most naturally gifted and technically brilliant players, is a proud mentor at Campioni Soccer Academy. Famous for his incredible vision, precise finishing, and creative flair during his legendary career at Southampton and with England, Matt brings a unique wealth of knowledge to the academy. His dedication to teaching young players goes beyond skills, focusing on football intelligence, creativity, and playing with confidence. At Campioni, Matt inspires the kids to develop their technique, think strategically on the pitch, and embrace the joy of the game, passing on the magic that made him a true football icon.

Harry Redknapp

One of English football’s most charismatic and experienced managers, is a proud supporter and coach at Campioni Soccer Academy. With decades of top-level experience managing Premier League clubs and nurturing some of the country’s finest talents, Harry brings an incredible depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the training sessions. His hands-on approach, humour, and passion for the game make him a favourite among the young players, who benefit from his expert guidance and real-world insights. Through his work with Campioni, Harry continues to inspire the next generation, helping them develop their skills and love for football in a fun and motivating environment.

Stuart Pearce MBE

One of England’s most respected football legends, plays an inspiring role at Campioni Soccer Academy, where he helps train and mentor young players. Known for his passion, leadership, and determination both on and off the pitch, Pearce brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career, which includes captaining England and managing at the highest levels of the game. His involvement at Campioni provides aspiring footballers with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s greats, gaining valuable insights into teamwork, discipline, and what it truly takes to succeed in football.

Kevin Phillips

A prolific goal scorer with a remarkable career in both Premiership and International football, Kevin Phillips is a celebrated figure in the sport. He made history as the first Englishman to win the European Golden Shoe during his time at Sunderland, where he also became the first player since Brian Clough to net thirty goals in a single season. His impressive tenure at Sunderland included being named Premier League Player of the Month and earning the Premier League Golden Boot.

Beginning his career at non-League Baldock Town in 1991, Kevin moved to Watford in 1994 before joining Sunderland in 1997. After a successful stint, he played for prestigious clubs like Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, and Leicester City, retiring in 2014.

Transitioning into coaching, Kevin served as Assistant Coach at Derby County and First Team Coach at Stoke City. In 2022, he became the Manager of South Shields, later taking on the role of Head Coach at Hartlepool United and most recently leading AFC Fylde.

Darren Purse

A former Premier League defender and current Cardiff City manager, is one of the experienced professionals helping to coach and inspire young players at Campioni Soccer Academy. With a playing career that included over 500 appearances for clubs such as Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City, Darren brings a deep understanding of the game and strong leadership skills to his coaching. At Campioni, he focuses on developing players’ defensive awareness, discipline, and teamwork, while encouraging them to play with confidence and commitment — qualities that defined his own successful career on and off the pitch.

Adrian Whitbread

A highly experienced football coach and former professional player, is an important mentor at Campioni Soccer Academy. With a career spanning playing and coaching at various levels, Adrian brings extensive knowledge of the game and player development to the academy. At Campioni, he focuses on helping young players improve their technical skills, tactical understanding, and overall football intelligence. His guidance emphasises hard work, discipline, and professionalism, inspiring aspiring footballers to reach their full potential while enjoying the sport.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson nicknamed Jonno, is a highly respected figure in football, currently serving as the Youth Development Phase (YDP) Lead for England, where he is responsible for overseeing and attracting top talent!  In addition to his work with the FA, he contributes to various UEFA programmes, including the CP Career Transition Programme, Women in Football Leadership Programme, and the UEFA Youth League, while also delivering Coaching Masterclasses for FIFA, showcasing young academy graduates.

Previously, Michael was a Specialist Coach for the England U21 team at St George’s Park, where he supported head coaches and upheld the values of English football while nurturing the mental and physical development of future stars. He also served as the Head Football Coach for the Guyana Football Federation, focusing on player improvement, youth development, and coach education, achieving notable success by leading the team to the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

A former Jamaica international and player for Derby County and Birmingham City, Michael brings a wealth of experience and passion to Campioni and if you are lucky enough to have been coached by Jonno at one of our holiday destinations you will know how supportive and encouraging he is both on and off the pitch!