Nathan Fraser
Pathway Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy, working with Luke through his early development
Where are they now? Senior professional football with Wolves, and a Republic of Ireland youth international
Elite Football. Exceptional Education. Individual Futures.
A high-performance football programme for ambitious boys and girls aged 7–18, combining expert football development with an outstanding independent school education, in the heart of Dorset.
Ages 7–18 | Boys & Girls | Day & Boarding
Luke Astley, Director
Why Clayesmore?
At Clayesmore, ambitious young players can pursue elite football development without having to compromise their education or wider interests. The International Football Academy is fully embedded within the school timetable, creating a seamless integration of high-performance football, academic learning and school life.
Alongside specialist football coaching, pupils benefit from strong academic opportunities, small class sizes and individual support, while having the freedom to explore music, drama, art and other creative interests. Our distinctive LEX programme develops the skills, confidence and experiences that prepare pupils for life beyond the classroom and the football pitch.
Elite Football Development
Expert coaching, individual player pathways and opportunities to progress within the football pyramid.
Football Embedded in the School Day
A seamless programme that allows players to train and develop alongside their academic studies.
Academic Opportunity
A broad, challenging education with individual support and pathways that keep future options open.
Opportunities Beyond Football
A broad range of opportunities beyond the classroom and football pitch to develop your interests, discover new strengths and grow in confidence.
Day & Boarding
A welcoming school community for pupils from across the UK and around the world.
Clayesmore International Football Academy gives ambitious young players the opportunity to develop their football within a supportive, high-performing school environment. Players benefit from specialist football coaching, competitive opportunities and individual development, alongside a broad academic education and the full experience of life at Clayesmore.
Develop your game. Discover your potential. Shape your future.
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Academy Director: Luke Astley
Expert coaching. Proven experience.
Our academy is led by experienced football professionals with backgrounds spanning professional academies, international football, sports science, talent identification and player development.
Luke Astley
Academy Director | UEFA A Licence
A former Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion youth player, Luke is a UEFA A Licence coach with extensive experience across professional football. His career includes working as an Academy Manager, FA Coach Developer and within Category 1 academy environments, giving him a wealth of experience in developing players at the highest levels of the game.
Brett Morris
Director of Sports Science
Brett holds a First Class BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and an MRes in Sport and Exercise. With more than seven years’ experience spanning grassroots football through to senior professionals, his background includes working within the Sports Science team at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Category 1 Academy.
Louis Ross
Player Development & Pastoral Support
Louis has worked across academy environments in football, rugby and cricket, as well as within independent schools. He specialises in supporting young athletes through key transitions and helping them balance the demands of high-performance sport with education and personal development.
Craig Hatfield
UEFA Qualified Coach
Craig is a UEFA-qualified coach and Head of Youth at a National League club. With several years’ experience in youth development, Craig has played a key role in the progression of players who have gone on to secure professional contracts.
Dave Stevens
UEFA A Licence Coach
Dave holds a UEFA A Licence and brings extensive experience across both men’s and women’s football. His career includes Aston Villa, Manchester City and the England Senior Women’s and U-19 teams, with experience spanning coaching, scouting, technical development, talent identification and player reporting.
Success Stories
Our coaching team has supported ambitious young players at different stages of their football journeys, working alongside partner schools and professional clubs to help create opportunities for development and progression. From professional football and international representation to scholarships and academy contracts, these are some of the players who have progressed with the support of our programme.
Dexter Lembikisa
Pathway Joined the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy at 13, working with Luke through his development
Where are they now? Made his senior debut for Wolves and has represented Jamaica at international level
Filozofe Mabete
Pathway Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy from the age of 12, working with Luke through his early development
Where are they now? Earned a professional contract and has played senior football with Swindon Town, as well as representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo at youth international level
Jack Tolley
Pathway Joined the programme at 16, after ten years in the West Bromwich Albion Academy
Where are they now? Earned a professional contract with Hereford United
Kailan Gater
Pathway Joined Kidderminster Harriers at 12 and developed under Luke and his team
Where are they now? Earned an U16 goalkeeper contract with Premier League club Nottingham Forest
Samson Hewett
Pathway Came through the Kidderminster Harriers Academy, developing under Luke and his team
Where are they now? Signed a professional contract with the club at 17, and represented the England Colleges team in 2023
Archie Hill
Pathway Joined the Kidderminster Harriers junior setup and progressed through the club’s youth system
Where are they now? Earned a scholarship with Cheltenham Town at 16
Lincoln Hunt
Pathway Joined the programme and was put forward for a trial with Walsall FC
Where are they now? Impressed on trial and earned a scholarship with the club
Gianfranco Argirellis
Pathway Joined the programme at 15, spending valuable time developing his game in the UK
Where are they now? Continued his footballing journey with Sydney FC U16s following his return to Australia
