Ex-pro footballer with stints at Premier League teams Arsenal and Coventry City joins Fylde coast school

A former professional footballer who had stints with Premier League sides Arsenal and Coventry City has joined a Fylde coast school to bring through the next generation of talent.

Luke Webb, also the son of former England and Nottingham Forest midfielder Neil Webb, has joined Rossall School in Fleetwood as new Head of Football Performance. Set to take up the role in August, Luke is joining as the school continues to enhance its reputation for football education and player development.

During his playing career, Webb represented Coventry City and Hereford United before moving into coaching. He has since built a strong reputation within the independent school sector, holding coaching positions at both Bradfield College and Repton School.

‘Building something truly special’

“I am incredibly excited,” said Luke. “Throughout my career, I have been focused on creating environments, systems and coaching practices that enable young people to accelerate their learning and development within a supportive and appropriately challenging setting.

“This work has led to the development of a coaching approach that consistently helps individuals surpass their potential while fostering a genuine love of learning and improvement. At its heart is a strong ethical foundation, ensuring that the pursuit of excellence and high performance is both ambitious and safe.

“I have long been searching for an institution whose ambition for education and pupil development matches my own, and I believe I have found that in Rossall. The opportunity to contribute to a community that values both achievement and personal growth is incredibly exciting.

“I look forward to working with staff and pupils to build something truly special and to help shape an environment where young people can thrive both on and off the field.”

Working with Manchester City coaches

Rossall has established itself as one of the UK’s leading schools for football education, supported by its successful partnership with Manchester City FC. In his new role, Webb will work alongside five Manchester City coaches based at the school to deliver high-quality football training and development opportunities to students of all abilities.

Pupils at Rossall also benefit from a comprehensive performance programme that includes strength and conditioning support, GPS performance tracking, video analysis, nutrition guidance, recovery and rehabilitation services, and physiological benchmarking.

Webb’s appointment follows the launch of Rossall’s £2.3 million Sports Development Plan, which is set to deliver further enhancements to the school’s well-established sporting facilities.

‘He understands high performance’

Andrew McBride, Headmaster of Rossall School, added: “Luke is an exceptional appointment whose experience as a professional player alongside his UEFA A Licence and extensive expertise in youth player development make him ideally placed to lead the next chapter of our football programme.

“He understands what high performance looks like and, equally importantly, how to support and develop young people as they pursue their ambitions. Our ambition is to provide an environment that rivals the very best development pathways available to young footballers.

“Through our partnership with Manchester City FC, a fixture programme that includes professional academies, and a range of opportunities and pathways for talented players, we are committed to helping every student maximise their potential.

“Luke's appointment reflects our determination to continue investing in every aspect of the player experience. He shares our belief that great football programmes are built on strong relationships, a sense of belonging and a culture in which young people feel valued, challenged and inspired.

“We want every player at Rossall to feel part of something special.”

More information on Rossall School and its Elite Football Programme can be found at www.rossall.org.uk.