Academy structure additions

AS WE prepare for the 2025/26 campaign, there have been two additions made to the academy staffing structure as the club looks to put itself in the best position for player development across all age groups.

Head of Methodology Jon De Souza will now be assisted in his role in overseeing the club’s game model and coaching methodology across all phases of the academy, men’s and women’s teams.

Anthony Hayes has joined the club as Methodology Lead, focusing on the U17 – U21 age groups while Dan Walder comes in as Methodology Manager for the academy, working specifically with the U9s – U16s.

Hayes is vastly experienced and joins us having most recently worked as an U21 coach at Crystal Palace.

He started his coaching career at Brentford’s academy where he spent five years working across all academy age groups before being named Head of Coaching.

Hayes moved to Charlton Athletic in 2016, holding coaching roles in their Youth Development and Professional Development Phases before being appointed as First Team Assistant Manager in July 2022. His time with the Addicks included a three-game period as Caretaker Manager.

After leaving The Valley in 2023, Hayes spent time working as a First Team Coach at Sunderland and Assistant Manager at Gillingham.

Walder comes to QPR after a decade with Luton Town, where he was most recently in the role of Head of Coaching. He previously worked specifically with their U18s. Walder also spent time with the academies at Northampton Town and Watford.

Academy Director Alex Carroll said: “We are delighted to welcome Anthony and Dan to our academy. Their individual expertise will be key in driving the development of our young players and coaching staff.

“Anthony is a renowned developer of young players and has held prominent coaching and leadership roles across multiple academy and first-team environments. He will provide vital individualised support for our senior academy players with a view to integrating them into the first team at the earliest available opportunity.

“Dan’s innovative approach to coach development and his passion for producing detailed insights for our coaching staff will undoubtedly enhance the level of coaching delivered across our age groups.”

Paul Furlong continues as our Development Squad Head Coach, Tom Charles as our U18 Head Coach and Andrew Impey as our Player Pathways Manager.