Sean is a coach with vast experience at all levels of the game, having been Club Chairman at St Malachy’s as well as their Head Coach for the 2010 age group who won the double this season, clinching the SBYL Premier Division title and the SBYL Cup. Sean is also Manager of the SBYL 2010 Select Team, who have gone unbeaten over a number of seasons, winning All Ireland, Inter-County and Kennedy Cups along the way. 

Shane James is another coach with plenty of experience, especially at 2010 level. Shane comes from Crusaders 2010s where he has grown and developed a team from the NIYFA 1st Division to finishing 5th last season in the NIYFA Premier Division. Shane brings a wealth of knowledge on the age group as well as his ability as a coach to develop players to achieve their full potential.

Ben Aston, a local lad, makes up the coaching staff as a former player and coach at Carrick Rangers. Ben came up through the Academy at Carrick and also became a coach but due to work had to step back a number of years ago. He returns, and with Sean & Shane’s guidance, is looking to further develop himself and gain the experience needed to fulfil his own coaching expectations. Having had the experience of coming though the Academy himself, this will be vital to pass on to our players. 

Discussing the new role, Academy Youth Football Director, Gary Scott commented:

“Before I welcome our new U16 NIFL coaching staff, I must first place on record my thanks to Harry Morrow, Jack Connor & Kris Dines who have taken this team the last few years. All 3 are super people and have done a terrific job with our U16s. I am delighted to say that they will continue at the Club and take up roles within our Foundation Phase. Not many Academy's can boast 3 B licence coaches at their Foundation Phase, so that’s a massive step in the right direction for the Academy. 

I am over the moon to welcome our new U16 coaching staff. Sean & Shane from the moment we spoke with them have just been a perfect fit for Carrick Rangers. To add Ben into that mix, who I’ve known for years is also something I’m very excited about. 

We see this point in young footballers lives as a real opportunity and along with the committee we made a bold step to get the best coaches we possibly could at this level and I firmly believe we have done that. Thanks must go to Academy Chairman, Adrian Stewart for all his help in this process and together, with plenty of hard work we will hopefully see players produced for our First Team in the not too distant future.”