Knowledge
Our curriculum is built on more than 40 years of experience in the professional game.
Simon Grayson Football Academy
Sharing experience. Maximising potential.
High-quality football coaching for young players across Leeds and Bradford. We believe every player can improve in the right environment, with the right coaches.
Why choose us
Where football meets personal development
A holistic environment for young players in Leeds and Bradford, built around the four things every player needs.
Ability
Individual skill development, focused on maximising the potential of every player.
Attitude
Preparing minds and bodies so each player can be the best version of themselves.
Opportunity
A competitive environment where every player is pushed towards their next level.
Sample
Player development plan
Ability0
Technical, tactical and physical skills to perform on the pitch.
Attitude0
Mindset, resilience and professionalism to keep developing.
Opportunity0
Ready for the challenges that come, in football and beyond.
Individual targets set
Progress reviewed regularly
Our ethos
High-quality coaching for every player
Every young player in Leeds and Bradford deserves great coaching, guidance and opportunity, whatever their current level.
Everything we deliver is built around three pillars: ability, attitude and opportunity.
As players progress, each one receives an individual development plan. Progress is monitored, reviewed and shared with parents, so you always see the feedback and the wins.
We don't just develop footballers. We develop confident, resilient and capable young people.
Launched in 2026
A unique partnership
Premier League experience, current academy coaching and 19 years of safe, high-quality delivery, brought together in one academy.
- Simon Grayson Ex Premier League player and experienced manager, with more than 40 years in professional football.
- Joe Grayson Former professional player and current Preston North End Academy coach.
- PE Partner 19 years of safe, fun and engaging sessions for children, schools and families.
Meet the team
Staff who have lived the game
Professional careers, current academy coaching and nearly two decades of safe, high-quality delivery.
Director of Football
Simon Grayson
Twenty years as a player in the Premier League and EFL with clubs including Leeds United, Leicester City, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. As a manager he led Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield, Preston, Sunderland and Bradford City, and won trophies in India and Nepal.
He has recently coached with the Indonesia national team and works in the media for Sky Sports, talkSPORT, BBC 5 Live and Leeds United TV.
Managing Director
Joe Grayson
Came through the Blackburn Rovers Academy to the first team, then played for clubs including Grimsby Town, Oxford United, Dundee and Stockport County. He won the FA Trophy at Wembley with Gateshead.
Joe now coaches in the Preston North End Academy and leads the design and delivery of our curriculum.
Operations Director
Nick Powell
Nick has spent more than 19 years keeping children safe, active and learning through PE Partner, supporting thousands of families, schools and community groups.
He and his team lead safeguarding, compliance, welfare and parent support across the Academy.
Academy Lead Coach
Jake Price
Jake manages all football projects for PE Partner. He holds a degree in Sports Coaching, the UEFA C Licence and the FAW Grassroots Leadership Award.
His coaching spans youth development in Southern California, grassroots football, one-to-one coaching and SEND provision.
Why six stars
A badge built on six promotions
Each star on our badge marks a promotion Simon won as a player or manager.
- Years in professional football
- 0+
- Professional matches as player and manager
- 0+
- Promotions won
- 0
As a player
- 1994
Leicester CityChampionship play-off winners - 1996Leicester CityChampionship play-off winners
As a manager
- 2007
BlackpoolLeague One play-off winners - 2010
Leeds UnitedLeague One, promoted in second place - 2012
Huddersfield TownLeague One play-off winners - 2015
Preston North EndLeague One play-off winners
The stars represent a legacy of success. More importantly, they represent the chance for the next generation to learn from it.
Woodhall Hub, Leeds
Weekly sessions at Woodhall Hub
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 7 October 2026. Every session runs for one hour.
All sessions at Woodhall Football Hub, Woodhall Lane, Stanningley, Leeds LS28 7TT.
Where we train
Find us at Woodhall Hub
Our home in Stanningley, between Leeds and Bradford, with sessions three evenings a week.
Woodhall Football Hub Woodhall Lane, StanningleyLeeds, West Yorkshire
LS28 7TT
Grassroots partnership
In partnership, not in competition
Many of our players start and continue their football at a grassroots club. We are here to support that, not replace it.
Working together
Strong relationships with clubs that share our passion for player development and welfare.
Supporting coaches
Sharing knowledge with the volunteers who give their time, and creating extra learning opportunities.
Stronger communities
When clubs, coaches, parents and players work together, players get the right support at every stage.
Supporting grassroots football. Sharing experience. Maximising potential.
Partner with usOur partners
Contact
Get in touch
Questions about sessions, membership or partnerships? Here is how to reach us.
Enquiries
Email or book online
info@simongraysonfootballacademy.co.uk
Or book a session through our online booking form.
Open the booking formVenue
Woodhall Football Hub
Woodhall Lane, StanningleyLeeds, West Yorkshire
LS28 7TT Get directions
Training times
Wednesday to Friday
Evening sessions between 16:30 and 18:30, from 7 October 2026.
View timetableFollow us
Academy news
Session updates, player highlights and academy events.
Ready to book a session, or have a question? We would love to hear from you.
Book now