Saints Southwest Welcomes Lee Hodge as New Coach Developer and Mentor

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Lee Hodge as our new Coach Developer and Mentor. With a wealth of experience and a track record of success in coaching and player development, Lee will be working closely with Mike Berry, our esteemed Head of Coaching, to support and nurture our coaching team. Lee’s role promises to bring invaluable expertise to our coaching staff, players, and their families across the South West.

Lee Hodge: A Proven Leader in Elite Coaching Development

Lee Hodge brings over a decade of experience working within the football coaching landscape at prestigious institutions, including Plymouth Argyle, Swansea City, and Nottingham Forest. His expertise is underpinned by an impressive educational background, with a Premier League Postgraduate Diploma in Elite Coach Education and a Master’s Degree in Applied Sports Development and Coaching. His UEFA A Licence and Futsal UEFA B qualifications highlight his dedication to enhancing the skills and strategic understanding of coaches at all levels.

Elevating Standards in Coaching and Player Development

In his previous role as Head of Academy Coaching at Plymouth Argyle, Lee developed comprehensive coaching and development frameworks, designed individualised programmes for coaches, and created bespoke pathways that enabled coaches to optimise their performance. This focus on tailored professional development has consistently led to outstanding outcomes, helping clubs such as Plymouth Argyle become recognised leaders in youth and academy training throughout the South West.

How Lee’s Appointment Benefits Saints Southwest and Our Community

Lee’s addition to Saints Southwest will enhance the training experience across the board. His commitment to continuous professional development aligns with Saints Southwest’s mission to cultivate a supportive and enriching environment for both coaches and players. Through one-on-one mentoring, developmental action plans, and regular evaluations, Lee’s role will directly benefit our coaching staff. His structured approach will enable our coaches to refine their skills, adapt their teaching methods, and ultimately deliver even more engaging and effective training sessions for players.

Lee’s experience in creating strong community links will support our mission to keep players and parents engaged and connected. His focus on fostering positive relationships and open communication means parents can look forward to seeing their children benefit from the latest in coaching techniques and personal development strategies.

Insights from Saints Southwest Leadership Team

Mike Berry, Head of Coaching at Saints Southwest, shared his excitement about Lee’s appointment: “Bringing Lee on board is a tremendous step forward for Saints Southwest. His experience and strategic approach to coaching development will be instrumental in helping our coaches reach new levels of performance and effectiveness. Lee's commitment to building strong, positive relationships and his depth of knowledge will undoubtedly make a lasting impact across our entire programme.”

Tom Shwenn, Chief Operating Officer of Saints Southwest, also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Lee’s appointment represents our dedication to providing the best resources and support for our coaches, players, and parents. His expertise will not only elevate our coaching standards but also enrich the overall experience for everyone involved in Saints Southwest. We’re excited to see the positive influence he’ll bring to our organisation.”

Looking to the Future

We are excited to have Lee Hodge onboard and look forward to seeing how his experience and commitment to excellence will strengthen the foundation of Saints Southwest. His collaborative work with Mike Berry and our talented coaching staff promises a bright future for our club, with ongoing improvements that will impact all members of our community. Through this strategic hire, Saints Southwest reaffirms its dedication to delivering elite-level coaching that inspires, supports, and nurtures talent across the South West.

Stay tuned for the exciting developments to come as we continue to grow and evolve with Lee’s expertise guiding us.

Developing Potential for ALL