Combine a world-leading education alongside an elite coaching programme with a professional football club.

Elite football coaching programme

Our carefully designed coaching programme aims to develop individuals within the team environment, focussing on meeting player's development needs while enhancing their strengths.

Along with the weekly training schedule, students will have a games programme with regular fixtures and there will be the opportunity to play showcase matches against professional and semi-professional teams. The programme is managed and overseen by the Notts County Professional Academy, delivered by its top professional coaches. Students train like full-time professionals, with access to fitness, nutrition, medical and health & wellbeing support provided by both Academy and University specialists.

Through Player Profiles, we support players to apply themselves into tactical training and matches. As a Notts County player, you will enjoy dominant, attacking style of play, based on keeping possession and making entries into the opponent’s box. We encourage freedom and the ability to express yourself in the final third, with clear strategies in how to try and break down the opposition and score goals. 

All of our coaching practice is based on a physical periodisation, supporting young players to respond to the needs of the modern game. We do this through session design and work with our Sports Science team. 

Coaching team

Dan Leviers - Head of Academy

Dan Leivers sitting on steps at Meadow Lane wearing Notts County training gear

Dan returned to Notts County in 2022 as Academy Manager after an initial spell from 2010 to 2017. Dan has also been Academy Manager at Barnet FC and supported the transition of young players into First Team football for three and half years at Norwegian Champions FK Bodø/Glimt. Dan has recently led the Academy back to Category Three Status after four years in the National League and supported 14 young players to make their First Team debuts in the last three seasons.

 

 

Gavin Mee - Assistant Academy Manager

Head and shoulders portrait of Gavin Mee standing on Meadow Lane pitch

Gav has been with the Club since 2018 and has coached across all age groups in the Academy system throughout that time. As an A Licence coach, Gav is a key part of the Academy Management Team and as well as having an impact across all age groups, he also line manages our Recruitment, Education and Player Care departments. 

 

World-class university education

Ranked as a top 20 UK university (QS World University Rankings 2025), the University of Nottingham prides itself on providing students with:

  • first-class teaching
  • Green Flag award-winning campuses
  • state-of-the-art facilities
  • expert careers support.

With thousands of industry connections, we’re the 3rd most targeted university by top UK employers (Graduate Market in 2024 report, High Fliers). We are also proud to be the Top UK University for Team Sport (British Universities and Colleges Sport - BUCS) and have been crowned Sports University of Year three times in the last seven years (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide). With world-class sports and fitness facilities, we can ensure all NEPA students have the best facilities available to support their athletic programme.

Mixed group of students walking outside under trees Find your degree
Students using fitness suite in David Ross sports village World class sport and fitness
Mixed group of students smiling and laughing at the camera International student support