Coaching Team
At the PSG Academy Ellesmere, every player benefits from coaching delivered by highly qualified and experienced professionals. Our coaching team is made up exclusively of UEFA A and UEFA B Licence coaches, ensuring that all pupils receive the highest standard of technical, tactical and athletic development.
With a wealth of experience across elite youth and senior football, our coaches bring exceptional knowledge, outstanding player‑centred teaching, and a passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential. Pupils joining the programme can be confident that they are training in an environment that reflects the very best of modern football coaching.
Our Key staff are highlighted below.
Mick Brennan – Ellesmere Technical Director
Mick Brennan brings extensive experience in elite football development to the Ellesmere × PSG Academy UK programme. As the former Director of Football at the IHM Football Academy based at Ellesmere College, Mick has led high-performance programmes and overseen the progression of young players into academy, semi-professional, and international pathways.
Mick’s coaching career includes significant involvement within professional football environments, including work connected to Blackburn Rovers’ academy and performance structures, where he applied advanced coaching methodologies and long-term player development planning. His experience in talent identification, technical coaching, and building holistic athlete programmes ensures that our students receive development aligned with professional standards.
At Ellesmere, Mick is recognised for:
- Creating integrated academic and footballing pathways
- Leading multi-disciplinary coaching and support teams
- Embedding sport science, analysis, and performance tracking
- Supporting both UK and international players on routes into club academies, US scholarships, and senior football
In the new partnership with PSG Academy UK, Mick will play a central role in aligning PSG methodology with the Ellesmere programme, ensuring every athlete benefits from a world-class training environment alongside their studies.
The partnership with PSG Academy UK at the Ellesmere football academy is an exciting step forward bringing a new level of experience and opportunity to the programme for the players. Over the past 9 years the academy has gone from strength to strength offering a fantastic pathway for young players to progress in the game and in sporting careers, building skills both on and off the pitch. This next step with Paris Saint-Germain aligns the ethos of player development both on and off the pitch giving the players the backing of the professional club. The next few seasons at the academy will be an exciting journey for the College and the players involved.
Brandon Hall – Lead Coach & AFC Telford United Goalkeeper
Brandon Hall is a highly respected goalkeeper currently playing for AFC Telford United in the National League North, bringing professional and semi-professional experience from across the English football system.
Across his career, Brandon has represented notable clubs including Charlton Athletic, Woking, Kidderminster Harriers, Hereford, Gloucester City, and Banbury, gaining experience at Steps 1 and 2 of the National League. He has also earned England C international honours, reflecting his standing within non-league elite performance environments.
As the Lead Coach at Ellesmere, Brandon is known for his leadership, consistency and on-pitch experience, combined with a calm and professional coaching methodology approach and high player expectations. Brandon has developed a strong player development pathway and culture and training focus that makes him an exceptional mentor for young players.
Brandon will led the delivery of the Ellesmere × PSG Academy UK programme through:
- Specialist goalkeeper coaching
- Individual performance development
- Match preparation and tactical understanding
- Supporting student-athletes to balance performance with education
His combination of professional playing experience and youth development skill strengthens the academy’s coaching team and provides students with direct insight into the demands of the modern game.
As the Lead Academy Coach at Ellesmere College, I’m delighted that we’re partnering with the iconic PSG Academy UK. This is a really exciting opportunity for the students; to not only wear the PSG kit but to learn their values and style of football. They will mirror the same session plans as the professionals and have the opportunity to train as an elite athlete