Abbey College Manchester Raises the Game with New Head Football Coach

Abbey College Manchester, a leading independent college in the heart of the city, has strengthened its pioneering Football with Academic Studies Programme with the appointment of a new, highly-experienced Head Coach, Richard Barrow.

With more than 15 years of international coaching experience in grassroots and academy football, and holding a Level 2 coaching badge, Richard is a dedicated and passionate football coach currently working at Manchester City Academy. His coaching journey has taken him across the globe, with stints in California, Malta, Italy and Northern Ireland, developing his expertise across various age groups and playing styles, and giving him a rich understanding of football cultures and a versatile coaching approach.

Before transitioning into coaching, Richard played semi-professional football with Atherton LR. Although a serious injury cut his career as a player short, it ignited his passion for coaching and inspired him to dedicate himself to developing the next generation of football talent. His expertise has also secured him a role with The Coach’s Voice, a global platform that supports coaches of all levels, where he creates tailored session plans to help others grow in the game.

Chris Randell, Principal, Abbey College Manchester, commented: “Richard is a coach with a deep commitment to player development, bringing a wealth of practical experience and a global perspective to the game. He is committed to fostering positive environments where players can thrive both on and off the pitch, and we are confident he will make a valuable contribution to the team.

“This appointment further strengthens the opportunities we offer aspiring footballers. Our academy, affiliated with The Football Association, delivers professional football training up to three afternoons per week, with one session usually dedicated to a competitive fixture against a local club. Our programme enables students to pursue academic qualifications for entry to university, while developing their football skills at an elite level, creating a pathway toward a professional or semi-professional career. Players also benefit from access to a network of scouts and professional coaching contacts, alongside specialist nutrition, strength and conditioning clinics.”

Abbey College Manchester, part of the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges, is a thriving independent college in the heart of Manchester city centre, with a fast-growing and vibrant community of students aged 15-19.

With a teaching philosophy based on small classes and highly personalised learning in an academically rigorous but informal setting, the college focuses on the transition from school to university, working with students individually to achieve the academic standards and social skills required by their target and world-class universities. Abbey College Manchester also expertly prepares students for challenging courses such as medicine. The flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with a strong academic ethos, offer a unique alternative to traditional schools.

There are 220 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. The college offers A-Level, GCSE, Combined Studies and International Foundation Programmes.