From the early days of student-athletes ourselves, to the expert-led, we are proud to be a team that offers fully supportive scholarship experiences

Our Executive Team

TYRELLE MCLEOD-BENTLEY

Director

  • After undertaking a soccer scholarship at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Tyrelle went on to experience an international soccer career playing for numerous teams in the USA and UK and then the prestigious IF Karlslund in Sweden. Post soccer, Tyrelle worked as a consultant for the highly esteemed Prelude Group. In 2014 Tyrelle co-founded Soccer Assist, which has now become one of the UK’s fastest growing Soccer Scholarship agencies. With a well respected soccer career and business skills under his belt, Tyrelle has been awarded various accolades, from the Young Enterprise award in 2014, to Industry Leader by Sports Industry Group NextGen in 2017, as well participating in young entrepreneur forums on BBC radio and being featured as One to Watch by Startups journal. At Soccer Assist, Tyrelle is responsible for leading and directing our recruitment function. Outside of the office Tyrelle is a Director at sports services agency Varsity Nine.

OLIVIA SPINELLI

Director

  • Olivia started her career at Vivienne Westwood in a digital role during the early days of luxury ecommerce. From here she transitioned into the field of public relations and then embraced startup life developing social media and digital strategies for large global brands at digital agency Klood. During her tenure, Olivia fast-tracked to become Head of Content and Digital Projects and set the digital content vision for some of the UK’s leading brands such as VW and Costa. In 2016 Olivia co-founded The App Nest, a technology startup that specialised in the incubation of premium apps and development of unique algorithms including Football Whispers, the world's first transfer predictor. In 2018 The App Nest transitioned to DREST, the world’s first luxury gaming app, where Olivia took on the role of Content and Brand Partnerships Director until late 2021. In 2022 Olivia took on the role as Managing Director at Soccer Assist. Olivia studied at the University of Manchester, where she graduated with a 1st Class Bsc Hons degree. Outside of the office Olivia is a Director at sports services agency Varsity Nine and a part-time Yoga teacher.

VIVION COX

Director

  • Vivion started his career as a Technologist in the Banking and Insurance sectors before studying for his MBA at the world renowned Cranfield School of Management where he caught the startup bug. A true entrepreneur and 5 time business Founder within an array of sectors mostly in the areas of Technology, Digital and Sport. Vivion has successfully sold 4 of the businesses and holds the title of Founder and Board position at the one that remains, Twenty3, an industry leading sports technology platform that consolidates and optimises data to enrich content and enhance team and recruitment analysis for pro Football teams across the globe. Career highlights include; Chief Development Officer at DREST, Co-Founder at The App Nest, Founder and CEO at Klood, Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Oomri Limited. Vivion has joined the board at Soccer Assist as a Strategic Advisor. Outside of the office Vivion has been the Director of Football at non-league clubs which saw him play a critical role in one of the teams achieving back to back historic FA Vase final appearances at Wembley. He is also a competitive triathlete and Director at sports services agency Varsity Nine.

JUNIOR OSEI-TUTU

Director

  • After completing a soccer scholarship at West Virginia University Institute of Technology in 2015, Junior went on to study Business Management at Walsh University, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Whilst studying, Junior co-founded Soccer Assist. In 2022 Osei Tutu was awarded Industry Leader by Sports Industry Group NextGen. At Soccer Assist, Junior is responsible for leading and directing our sales and partnerships, and overall delivery of our scholarship placement services. Away from the office Junior is a Director at sports services agency Varsity Nine.

Our Wider Team

CHARLIE CRANE

Soccer Consultant

    • Charlie was degree educated at St. Thomas Aquinas College, New York, USA.

    • He competed on the men’s soccer team in the NCAA for four years. 

    • Charlie played in the summer leagues for Duluth F.C and New York Athletic Club.

    • Upon graduation Charlie coached at NCAA and club level.

    • Charlie has worked in the scholarship sector since 2019, whilst also continuing his footballing career with playing contracts in Sweden and Finland.

    • Since 2024 he has overseen the placement of Soccer Assist athletes, priding himself on finding the optimum academic and sporting fit for each individual client. 

EMILY WOOLVIN

Athlete Operations Manager

    • Emily was a devoted youth footballer, with time spent at academies including Aston Villa and Birmingham City. 

    • She secured a USA soccer scholarship at Goldey-Beacom College, Delaware.  

    • Emily graduated in 2021 with a degree in Business Administration in the NCAA DII CACC Conference, achieving DII ADA Academic Achievement award and CACC academic Honour Roll. 

    • A UEFA Licensed Coach, Emily currently coaches at West Bromwich Albion Girls RTC/ETC.

    • Emily is responsible for ensuring Soccer Assist athletes experience a smooth transition from recruitment to placement and supporting them throughout the process.

TOM STOCKLEY

Operations Executive

    • Tom is a former West Bromwich Albion Youth Academy player, where he developed a strong foundation in elite football environments.

    • He went on to represent Loughborough University 1st Team whilst studying a degree in Sport Science and Management.

    • He is currently an active Step 3 semi-professional footballer, continuing to compete at a high level within the English football pyramid.

Adam Whybrow

Soccer Consultant

    • Adam played as a GK at Luton Town, starting in their Post-16 Education pathway, earning the opportunity to play for their U18’s and U21’s.

    • Adam started his collegiate career at Saint Joseph’s College, IN before transferring to Quincy University, IL where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BSc in Exercise Science.

    • Following his education, Adam spent 2 years in Italy, where he was coaching collegiate level athletes, as a Football Coach, Goalkeeper Coach and S&C Coach, along with a consultation position to advise on the expansion of Serie A in the US.

    • Now as a Soccer Consultant, Adam is eager to provide the same pathway to the USA, to new Student-Athletes, with hopes that they can access new and exciting opportunities to better themselves for the future.

ANNABEL PRIOR

Head of Operations

    • Annabel was a dedicated youth footballer, with stints at academies including AFC Wimbledon, Fulham and Chelsea.  

    • Annabel secured a full soccer scholarship at Louisiana Tech University.

    • She graduated in 2017 with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. 

    • Annabel has worked in the sports scholarship sector since 2017. 

    • An integral part of the Soccer Assist team, Annabel has been responsible for overseeing the effective management and running of all our ops functions since 2022.

Josh Bonaiti

Recruitment Executive

    • Josh was an Academy football player for the majority of his youth career.

    • He then embarked on a USA Soccer scholarship at Heartland Community College before transferring to Waldorf University, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Psychology.

    • Josh has worked in the scholarship sector since 2022 and is responsible for supporting Soccer Assist’s recruitment function.

    • Alongside his work at Soccer Assist, Josh is also completing his MSc in Psychology.

BRANDON WATTS

Soccer Consultant

    • Brandon finished his youth career by winning the FA County Youth Cup with Middlesex FA. He then earned a U.S. soccer scholarship, starting at Century College before transferring to the University of Houston-Victoria, where he captained the men’s soccer team and earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Sports Management.

    • During his collegiate career, Brandon also competed in USL League Two with Brazos Valley Cavalry FC, gaining valuable experience at a high level of the game.

    • Now working as a soccer consultant, Brandon is dedicated to helping aspiring student-athletes pursue the same opportunities he experienced.

Elliot Hearne

Video Content Producer

    • Elliot is a passionate creative with a degree in Media Productions (Bsc, Hons).

    • An experienced professional Videographer and Editor and all round content creator with specialism in production setup, camera operation, editing and motion graphics.

    • A specialist in sports content creation, the football sector in particular.

    • Elliot’s career highlights include Videographer at Aston Villa Football Club and Leisure Leagues, producing a diverse range of content from behind-the-scenes to match day footage and marketing materials. 

    • At Soccer Assist Elliot is responsible for the management and production of all our video content.

Wiktoria Orlowska

Marketing Manager

    • Wiktoria graduated from the University of Exeter in 2021 with a Bsc Hons in Psychology.

    • Since graduating she has worked with a variety of industry leading brands including Beauty Pie, Deliciously Ella, and IKEA.

    • Wiktoria is highly experienced across multiple marketing disciplines, including; digital marketing, product marketing, paid media, and TV advertising.

    • At Soccer Assist Wiktoria prides herself on creating engaging strategies that inspire and motivate ambitious soccer players.

ALEX HAMER

Soccer Consultant

    • Alex was an academy football player at West Bromwich Albion for the majority of his youth career.

    • He graduated from University of Jamestown in 2022 with a BA (Hons) in Business Marketing and went on to complete his MBA in 2024 with a Masters in Business.

    • During his time in the U.S, Alex also competed in the summer league for Dakota Fusion for two seasons.

    • Now working as a soccer consultant, Alex utilises his college soccer experience to support aspiring student-athletes.

HUGO LOGAN

Junior Graphic Designer

    • Hugo spent 10 years at MK Dons, progressing through the academy from age 9 to 19, earning a one-year professional contract and making three senior first-team appearances.

    • Awarded a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 programme Grand Canyon University, featuring regularly in back-to-back regular season conference-winning teams and NCAA Tournament campaigns.

    • Graduated with a BA in Graphic Design and Advertising.

    • A football creative with experience in professional football photography, alongside brand development and graphic design.

WANT TO JOIN US?

We’re always looking for new talent to join our team, get in touch below or checkout our LinkedIn to see any new positions.