Simon Grayson launches academy as former Leeds United boss returns to grassroots | OneFootball

Simon Grayson has launched the Simon Grayson Football Academy, a return to his roots. The 56-year-old’s project is based at the new £9.5m Woodhall Sports Hub in Calverley, aiming to help youngsters grow as footballers and as people.

As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the venture takes the Ripon-born former Leeds United manager back to the grassroots fields where he started at Bedale. His 40-year career includes six promotions as a player or manager, reflected by six stars on the academy badge.

Grayson led Leeds from December 2008 to January 2012, then managed six more EFL sides including Huddersfield Town and Preston North End. Overseas, he coached Bengaluru and Lalitpur City, before assisting Indonesia boss John Herdman. A short spell at Hartlepool United and an advisory role with Cork City have followed, alongside media work with LUTV.

Coaching is open to boys and girls from under-sixes to under-14s, with specialist goalkeeper sessions and guest input from former players. The academy will collaborate with local clubs rather than enter leagues, with occasional academy friendlies, and a partnership with PE Partner on safeguarding and community links. Sessions will also cover professional-style warm-ups, nutrition and data.

Grayson is unsure about a full-time return to management, though he would never say never. For now he wants to give back, involve his son Joe, who runs a coaching academy in Preston, and develop his staff. There are no guarantees of pathways, only enjoyment, improvement and, where fitting, introductions through his connections.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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