In the Spotlight – Will Jones
At Heart of England Training, we’re proud to celebrate the achievements and journeys of our team members. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Will Jones, whose passion for sports education and dedication to his learners has made a huge impact at Pro:Direct Academy Daventry.
From Educator to Manager
Will joined Heart of England Training in November 2023 as a Sports Educator at Pro:Direct Academy Daventry. Determined to challenge himself by working with older learners, he moved from coaching younger children to inspiring 16–19-year-olds to excel both on and off the pitch. His hard work and commitment paid off — he became Assistant Manager in March 2025 and has most recently moved to Manager in September 2025.
Why Sports Education?
Sports has always been at the heart of Will’s career. He loved sports coaching in his previous role and wanted to follow this pathway further, combining his passion for football with education.
The Best Part of the Role
For Will, the most rewarding aspect of his work is seeing the “lads” succeed. Many learners stay on the programme for up to three years, and watching them develop into both stronger footballers and better people is a highlight of the job.
Keys to Success
Will believes success comes from a close-knit approach:
“Education and football go hand in hand here. We work as one team to make sure our learners excel in both areas.”
Proud Achievements
- Reaching the National Cup Final – a huge moment for everyone at the academy.
- Achieving a 100% success rate in education while in his Educator role.
- Helping 4 learners secure scholarships in the USA
Will credits his growth to the encouragement and support he’s had along the way:
“Josh has really pushed me to be my best over the past two years, but it’s the whole academy team that makes the difference — we all push each other, and that’s why we’ve been so successful.”
Why the Programme Works
The Pro:Direct Academy programme is ideal for 16–19-year-olds who are passionate about football and want to progress both academically and athletically. Will adds:
“We’ve got a great group here, and we’re always ready to welcome driven, committed players. We can still take on learners, so if you’re interested, get in touch.”
A Career in Football
Will has played semi-professionally for Wellingborough Town and several other clubs in the Northampton and Cambridge area, building strong connections within local football. Having started at just five years old, his lifelong love for the game continues to inspire the next generation.
The Benefits of Being a PDA Player
Players enjoy a range of unique opportunities, including:
- Matches against top academies with PDA Eleven
- Trips to St George’s Park
- Brand opportunities through PDA partnerships
- Multiple trips and events each year
Will’s journey shows how dedication, teamwork, and a passion for sport can make a lasting difference — both for our learners and for the people who teach them.
