Dale Hurley, 34, based in Sussex, South England.

I have worked full time in football for 14 years, I am Academy Manager at Russell Martin Foundation, a football academy based in Brighton and Hove. I previously worked for Pro Direct Soccer Academy also as Academy Manager. My job allows me to provide a pathway of development for young players from 5-19 years of age. I use a coaching methodology developed over my coaching career to help aid the development of grassroots footballers.

I started coaching when I was 17 alongside my college education at City College Brighton and playing for Burgess Hill Town. Initially I worked at after school clubs, Saturday morning classes and holiday camps to build up some coaching hours and experience. I worked for Albion In The Community, the charitable arm of Brighton and Hove Albion FC. After working for AITC for 4 years on a part time basis alongside education and other work roles, I began full time employment at Pro Direct Academy when I was 22, being able to work full time in football gave me a platform to develop my coaching style and gain valuable experience to help me work towards my coaching badges.

I had been at Lewes FC for 8 seasons, having been the Manager for the U18’s and Assistant Manager for the Men’s 1st team. Success stories are sustained success in the FA Youth Cup reaching the 1st round proper 5 times in the last 6 seasons. 6 players from Lewes U18’s went on to sign professional contracts with EFL clubs. Winning the Isthmian Youth South league, Isthmian Youth League Cup, Sussex County FA Youth Cup x2.

In Summer 2022 I took an offer to be joint manager at Lancing FC playing in Isthmian South East league. After a successful short spell we were offered the Haywards Heath Town FC job as joint management. This role lasted until February 2023 (3 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses)

Current roles include; Lancing FC manager (Step 5), appointed in October 2025. Sussex FA and Schools U18 Representative Manager and Lewes FC U18 manager, playing in the Isthmian Youth South League.

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UEFA B Licence
Youth Module 3
FA Level 1 Goalkeeping

FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
FA Emergency Aid

FA Level 1 Introduction to Talent Identification
FA Level 3 Equality and Diversity Certificate
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Sports Coaching
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Conflict Management

Enhanced DBS Check
UK Driving Licence

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