Who’s Who

Darren Eales – Chairman

As a Trustee of The Albion Foundation, Darren assumes the role of SCA Chairman. As Legal Director at WBA FC, Darren brings a wealth of Football administration experience to SCA as well as his legal background as a Barrister.

Jamie Bunch  – Sporting Director

Jamie has developed the Sports provision at The Albion Foundation for over 10 years.  He manages all areas of Sport with the Foundation. As a former young professional footballer and qualified UEFA coach, Jamie brings a wealth of professional and grass roots knowledge to SCA and is responsible for the operation.

John Simpson  – Media

John is WBA FC’s Press Officer and combines that role with raising the profile and communications with SCA.

Helen Fisher  – Club Secretary

From starting out as a parent volunteer with WBA WFC 10 years ago, Helen is now a part-time member of staff and leads on all administration within SCA.

Rob Lake – Club Treasurer

Rob is The Albion Foundation Director and is responsible for all aspects of the Foundation and leads on all finances within the management of SCA. From Rob’s background as a Youth Team player at Middlesbrough, he went onto spend 15 years as Community Manager before joining The Albion Foundation.

Mick Tuohy – Safe Guard & Equity

Mick has over 30 years experience of professional and semi professional football as well as being a Sport Development Officer with Sandwell Leisure Trust. He is also a FA Child Protection Tutor which he volunteers his vast knowledge to ensure SCA complies with all ‘Best Practice’ and legislations.

Ryan Maye – Coaching & Workforce Manager

As part of Ryan’s role as Sport Development Manager for Coaching & Workforce, he is in charge of all aspects of coaching. This means him working closely with all SCA Co-ordinators as well as under support mechanisms such as Physiotherapists, Sports Scientist etc. Ryan is a UEFA A Football Coach & Coach Educator for the FA.

Clive Allen – Basketball Co-ordinator

Paul Hunt – Disability Co-ordinator

Rus Smith – Girls Football Co-ordinator

Rus’s role is to create a player pathway from under 8 to senior football and link all the elements of girls and women’s football to all players, managers, coaches within the 7 teams. Rus has 12 years experience working in football and as a former full time employee at The Albion Foundation he also has experience working within academies and grassroots football as well as being a Coach Educator for the FA. He twins his SCA role with his full time position at George Salter Collegiate Academy.

Andy Middlebrook – Physiotherapist