 | This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous. Find sources: "Lee Cowling" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Lee David Cowling | ||
| Date of birth | (1977-09-22) 22 September 1977 (age 47) | ||
| Place of birth | Doncaster, England | ||
| Position(s) | Left Back / Winger | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1993–1994 | Manchester United | ||
| 1994–1995 | Nottingham Forest | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1995–1999 | Nottingham Forest | 3 | (0) |
| 1998–1999 | →Burton Albion (loan) | 14 | (1) |
| 1999–2000 | Mansfield Town | 24 | |
| 2000–2002 | Kettering Town F.C. | 63 | (6) |
| 2002–2003 | King's Lynn | 48 | (3) |
| 2003-2004 | Harrogate Town FC | ||
| International career | |||
| England U18 | 6 | (0) | |
| England U17 | 3 | ||
| England U16 | 6 | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Lee David Cowling (born 22 September 1977, in Doncaster, England) is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League as a defender for Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town.
Playing career
Born in Doncaster, Cowling started his career as a trainee at Manchester United, after they spotted him playing junior league football in Doncaster for Bessacarr Green Eagles, beating Sheffield Wednesday Leeds Utd and Arsenal to his signature. After numerous appearances alongside players such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, Lee felt his best opportunities laid elsewhere. Tempted by Brian Clough and Nottingham Forest he joined the Reds at the City Ground. Lee was considered a top talent and a highly rated prospect. His time playing at Nottingham Forest saw the reigns of Brian Clough, Frank Clark, Stuart Pearce, Ron Atkinson and Dave Bassett. Lee captained their youth team, and made a handful of senior appearances, as well as being part of the England schoolboy setup alongside players such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Emile Heskey. He also represented England in the Under-18 squad. A serious recurring knee injury forced Lee to reconsider his career at an early age. After an enjoyable but frustrating season with Mansfield Town, the club at which his father Dave Cowling started his career, his reoccurring knee injury forced him to retire in his twenties. He later signed for non-league Kettering in 2000, where he made 63 appearances in two seasons with the club and also enjoyed stints at Darlington FC, Harrogate Town, and Kings Lynn.
Coaching career
Lee Cowling is a distinguished English football coach renowned for his extensive contributions to player development and mental well-being initiatives.
Born on September 22, 1977, in Doncaster, England, Lee's early promise as a footballer was evident during his tenure as a trainee at Manchester United, where he trained under Sir Alex Ferguson alongside future legends like Paul Scholes.
Transitioning into coaching in 2002 due to a recurring knee injury, Lee swiftly acquired his UEFA A coaching license, complemented by The FA Youth Coaches Award and a Futsal Coaching qualification. His early coaching roles included positions at Darlington FC and Darlington College, where he honed his skills in youth development. He further enriched his coaching portfolio with academy roles at Middlesbrough FC, Nottingham Forest FC, and Doncaster Rovers FC, contributing significantly to nurturing young talents.
In 2011, Lee founded the Esprit Football Academy, based at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat training facilities and High Melton College. This initiative provided a comprehensive blend of formal education and football training to teenagers and young adults, emphasizing holistic development.
By 2019, Lee expanded his influence internationally through his company,, collaborating with Fulham FC to deliver youth development programmes. This partnership facilitated Fulham's expansion into countries such as Spain, South Africa, the United States, and Japan, showcasing Lee's commitment to global football development.
Demonstrating a deep commitment to player welfare, Lee has recently founded a new initiative focused on mental well-being and progression pathways for players. This program aims to support athletes in managing the psychological demands of professional sports, ensuring their holistic development both on and off the field.
Throughout his career, Lee Cowling has exemplified dedication to advancing football coaching and player development, with a particular emphasis on mental health and well-being. His initiatives continue to positively impact players and the broader football community, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Private life
His father is ex-football player Dave Cowling
References
- "Lee Cowling". Barry Hugman's Footballers.
External links
- {{Soccerbase}} template missing ID and not present in Wikidata.