Blake Campbell named Sporting Director
Leeds Laces FC is delighted to announce the appointment of former professional and national-level youth athlete, Blake Campbell, as Sporting Director.
A proven professional with over 18 years' experience in high-performance sport, Blake brings an impressive background spanning leadership positions in coaching, management and recruitment. In his new role as Sporting Director, he will oversee recruitment and player insights at Leeds Laces, alongside taking on the responsibility of Head Coach.
Blake’s experience also includes scouting and analysis with clubs including Leeds United, Coventry City, Salford City and Wakefield AFC. Campbell joins a dedicated, all-women coaching team at the club, as Leeds Laces continues to build a strong leadership team ahead of an exciting first season.
Throughout his career, Campbell has developed players at every level of the game – from professional and semi-professional to national-level youth athlete’s and grassroots players, providing him with a breadth of experience to draw on.
Blake is joining Leeds Laces at a pivotal moment of the club, which is preparing for its first season and his coaching and allyship will help shape the club’s identity and ambitions for years to come.
Beyond, his extensive experience in the game, Blake has displayed his undisputed support of women+ sports and how much of an asset he will be to the club. He has already brought forward ideas showing his enthusiasm for where the club can go.
Reflecting on what drew him to the Leeds Laces, Blake said:
“Developing pathways to create opportunities is a great passion of mine. I’ve experienced first hand how a singular opportunity in sport can be life changing. I myself come from a small country town in Australia and growing up I saw how much time my parents, family and the community spent making sure that there were sports to play both in the winter and summer. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, if you were willing to play as a team member, show a positive attitude and work hard for each other on and off the pitch, then you were always welcome. I see that same passion from the amazing women at Leeds Laces FC!
Lydia’s vision for the club was clear after our first conversation, being able to build a positive environment for women from all experience levels to come in and play is our biggest goal. I’m thrilled to be joining such a fantastic project, working with a great group of coaches and helping support the continued development of the club. The opportunity to work alongside my incredible wife, who is the club’s Head of Education, was one that I couldn't pass up. Her knowledge and expertise in women’s health and sport will provide tremendous value to everyone at the club. I’m very excited for what lies ahead and can’t wait for our first season to begin!”
Blake Campbell’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for the club, and the future of Leeds Laces is looking bright! 💜