Neal Ardley - Academy Manager
Neal joined the Academy as Academy Manager in 2007 after a successful playing career at Wimbledon, Watford, Cardiff City and Millwall. Neal is ultimately responsible for the Academy programme and is actively involved with the U18 team in a coaching capacity on a daily basis. He holds a UEFA 'A' Coaching Licence and has recently completed the Academy Manager's course.
Anthony Redwood - Academy Secretary
As the Academy Secretary, Anthony deals with the day-to-day operations of the programme. This includes registering players, organising matches, co-ordinating staffing, communications and all other business aspects of the programme.
Mark Neville - Assistant Academy Manager (U7-U11)
Mark Neville has recently been appointed to oversee the younger Academy age groups from 7-11 years. He is also in charge of the our very successful Advanced Development Centres. Mark is responsible for the creation of an innovative coaching syllabus for young players and also holds a masters degree in performance analysis.
Geraint Twose - Assistant Academy Manager (U12-U16)
Geraint Twose has worked at Cardiff City for the past 7 years in both the Football in the Community and with various Academy teams. Another former PE teacher who also was an apprentice at Swansea City. Geraint is a UEFA 'A' licenced coach and holds the FA Youth Licence 17-21. Geraint is responsible for the development of all technical and tactical aspects of the coaching syllabus for 12-16 year olds. He also monitors player progress and staff mentoring for these age groups.
Lee Skyrme - U18 Coach
Lee has joined the Academy in a full-time role from July 2009 after 4 seasons as a part-time Academy Coach. Lee is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in Wales and his wealth of experience has already proven to be a great asset to the Academy.
Steve Ellis - Head of Education and Welfare
Steve is responsible for all Educational and Welfare issues within the Academy on behalf of Cardiff City Football Club. A previous Physical Educational teacher with over 20 years experience, Steve's responsibilities include liasing with schools, colleges and Universities in matters concerning education and welfare. Another aspect to the role is overseeing all child protection issues affecting the Academy.
Neil Lewis - Senior Academy Physiotherapist
Head physio Neil is employed by the Academy to develop, organise, co-ordinate and implement the treatment and rehabilitation of all Academy players. This includes screening, health/medical attention programmes for all Academy players along with the assessment and treatment of the 8-21 years of age Academy players. Neil also works with the Senior Academy team. Neil is a lifelong Cardiff City supporter.
Alan Cross - Academy Kit Manager
Alan is the Academy Kit Manager who arranges all kit and equipment provisions for our U9-U18 teams on a daily basis. He also works closely with Ian Lanning (Club Kit Manager) and assists regularly with first team / reserve team duties.
Our record of developing players through the Cardiff City youth system over the years makes for impressive reading. Here is a list of some of our finest: Aaron Ramsey, Adam Matthews, Aaron Wildig, Nat Jarvis, Josh Magennis, Robert Earnshaw, James Collins, Joe Ledley, Chris Gunter, Darcy Blake, Curtis McDonald, Scott Young, Cameron Jerome, Jamal Easter, Stuart Fleetwood, Simon Howarth, Jason Perry, Lee Jarman, Joe Jacobson, Nicky Fish, Danny Thomas, Byron Anthony, Damon Searle, Tony Bird, Christopher Ingram, Lee Baddeley, Christian Roberts, Terry Evans and Andy Gorman.
