Following a recent restructure of our Academy team, we are delighted to formally announce the appointment of Richard Jones as our new Academy Manager.
Richard, our former Head of Education and Player Care, takes over from Josh Law who recently left the club after playing a vital role in the early success our Academy. Everyone here at Harrogate Town AFC wishes him the very best in the future.
Richard will continue with his responsibilities of Designated Safeguarding Officer across the wider organisation.
We are also very pleased to welcome Kate Tiffen as our new Head of Education and Player Care. Kate has been educating our scholars for some time now and is now formally appointed to the role.
Finally, Josh Walsh, our Lead Youth Development Coach, will join as Professional Development Phase (PDP) Coach, as well as the addition of James Barber, as part of our medical team.
Josh will assist our Lead PDP Coach Rory McArdle moving forward while also continuing his work with our Player Development Centre.
Speaking on these changes, CEO Sarah Barry said: “We are really happy to be in a position whereby we can offer internal opportunities for promotion and personal development, within the existing team and to create opportunities too as we continue to grow and evolve.
“Richard has been the lynchpin of the Academy since joining us and has demonstrated superb leadership throughout so this was a natural step up and Josh (Walsh) has been a driving force within our Youth Development program and is highly experienced and respected by everyone.
“We hope to forge a closer relationship between the U16’s and the Academy team with Josh’s combined role. We welcome Kate into her new role as Head of Education & Player Care which is incredibly important to us.”
Academy Manager, Richard Jones added: “I’m delighted to be appointed the Academy Manager role, particularly after being part of the Academy since it was established in 2021, when we registered our first group of Apprentices.
“It is great to see staff being promoted from within as the likes of Josh (Walsh) and I have been. I have had good relationship with him since I started at the club. He provides a familiar face to parents and he’s been an integral part of the Youth Development within the club and our Player Development Centre (PDC).
“He will be great addition to support Rory (McArdle), our Lead PDP Coach and Head of Coaching. There will be an opportunity for players that Josh has worked with within the APDC to feature in our playing squad next season. James (Barber) is our most recent additional whom joins us in the medical department.
“He has already settled in well with the player and staff team. The changes also include Kate (Tiffen) to be awarded with the Head of Education & Player Care role.
“She has been fantastic since joining us in September and is doing an incredible job on the education side element of the programme.
“Kate has a very strong background in education and player care – previously teaching at a local Grammar School and providing her expertise to learners in need of mental health support.
“This is such an important element for anyone in a high performance environment and she is a great asset to the club.”