Trinity Elite Football Programme 

Where Football Excellence Meets Academic Achievement

Established in 2023, the Trinity School Elite Football Programme offers a world-class football and academic experience on Devon’s stunning South‑West coast. Based in Teignmouth—with breathtaking sea views and proximity to professional clubs like Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City—this programme blends high-performance coaching with top-tier education.

What we offer

Elite coaching: Professional training led by highly experienced football staff. - Top-tier facilities: Grass pitches, floodlit 3G, a strength & conditioning gym, indoor pool, and a dedicated lecture room. - Balanced development: Integrated pathway for students from Year 3 to Year 13 (ages 7–18), uniting football proficiency with academic success. - Holistic growth: Team-building, leadership, and communication work alongside tactical and technical training. - Exceptional environment: Boarding accommodation matches the supportive tone of training and learning spaces.

Professional Coaching and Performance Team

Rick Wellard – Head of Football

Rick is a former professional footballer, he began his professional career with AFC Wimbledon before continuing in the professional game with Cambridge United. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, using his professional experience to support the development of young players within elite environments.

Rick holds the UEFA A Licence and the FA Advanced Youth Award, demonstrating his commitment to high-level coaching and long-term player development. During his coaching career, he has worked within several professional football academies, including AFC Bournemouth and Sutton United, gaining extensive experience across the youth development pathway.

Throughout this time, he has helped develop players who have progressed to compete in both the Premier League and the English Football League, highlighting his ability to support players on the journey into the professional game.

Rick has also held a number of senior leadership and management roles within academy football, including Academy Manager, Head of Coaching, PDP Lead Coach, and Under 18 Head Coach. In these positions, he has been responsible for shaping coaching programmes, leading multidisciplinary staff, and overseeing the development of young players across academy age groups.

With experience as both a professional player and senior academy leader, he brings a modern, player-centred approach to coaching, focused on developing technically capable, tactically intelligent and well-rounded footballers prepared for the demands of the professional game.

Elliot Frear – Elite Development Football Coach

Elliott is a former professional footballer who played for clubs including Exeter City F.C., Forest Green Rovers F.C. and Motherwell F.C.

A dynamic winger during his playing career, Elliott was known for his pace, attacking intent and ability to consistently create chances from wide areas. His quality delivery and crossing made him a valuable attacking outlet, contributing a high number of assists throughout his professional career.

Elliott holds a UEFA B coaching licence and brings excellent attention to detail to his coaching sessions. His experience in the professional game, combined with his strong coaching knowledge, allows students to learn directly from someone who understands the demands of elite football.

He is passionate about helping players develop technically, tactically and mentally, using his experience and expertise to support the next generation of footballers.

 Andrew Sowden-Bird

UEFA-qualified football coach and UEFA-qualified goalkeeper coach with extensive experience working across academy football from Under-9s through to Under-18s. Currently the first-team goalkeeper coach at Exeter City Women, alongside continuing to play non-league football, having competed at Step 3 of the English football pyramid.

A graduate of Plymouth Marjon University with an FDA in Sport Development and Coaching, with a strong background in player development and high-performance environments. Previously part of the Exeter City academy system, gaining valuable experience training alongside players who have competed internationally and in the Championship, and being involved in FA Cup and League Cup squads

 Warren Hogg – Head of Sports Science

My background in strength and conditioning and athlete development spans across both elite youth and senior environments. I have experience working in first-team settings at Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, as well as spending time in the United States working with NCAA Division I athletes.

I have built most of my career developing high-level youth athletes and have had the privilege of working with national-level athletes across multiple sports, supporting athletes to achieve professional football contracts and world #2 rankings in BMX racing.

Alongside my work with the Elite Football Programme, I am currently studying for a Master's degree in Sports Science, with my thesis focused on developing a functional movement screening tool specifically for youth football players, designed to potentially predict athletic performance and injury risk. During my undergraduate studies, I was also awarded the CIMSPA Outstanding Honours Project Award for achieving the highest-scoring honours project.

My passion for sport naturally extends into my personal life. I have a lifelong passion for football, having played as a goalkeeper, and an avid Arsenal fan. I am also a huge motorsport fan, particularly Formula One, and I’ve been fortunate to attend races at Silverstone and Imola.

Jeremiah Achina – Sports Science Intern

Jeremiah is currently studying Sports Science at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, where he is developing a strong academic foundation in athlete development, performance, and training methodology. As part of his studies, he is gaining valuable hands-on experience working as a Sports Science Intern.

Alongside his academic work, Jeremiah continues to play football at a semi-professional level. His ongoing experience in the game allows him to relate closely to our students, offering practical insight into the physical and mental demands of competitive sport. Jeremiah is passionate about helping young athletes develop both their performance and understanding of the game.

Why Choose Trinity?

Proven track record: Graduates continue into high-performance environments and beyond. - Inspiring location: Nestled between beach and pitch, less than three hours from London—ideal for domestic and international students. - Academic and athletic balance: Tailored for young athletes aiming to excel both on the pitch and in the classroom.

Ready to elevate your game and education? Enrol in the Trinity Elite Football Programme today and train like a champion in an environment that prepares you for success—on and off the pitch.

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