Hartlepool College of Further Education has significantly strengthened its sports coaching provision with the appointment of highly-rated coach and semi-professional footballer Josh Scott as head of football development.
Josh, 24, joined the college during a competitive season as a striker for Stockton Town.
Despite the recent heartbreak of a 2-0 Northern Premier League play-off defeat to Hednesford, Josh is already channelling his focus into shaping the next generation of sporting talent across the region.
Josh Scott stood in front of a presentation board displaying ‘My Journey’
“It was hard to swallow that defeat, as we have had a lot of setbacks this year,” Josh admitted.
“To be in that position and to put up the fight we did, we did well in the end. We want to go one better next year and try to kick on to secure promotion.”
While his playing career remains a major focus, Josh brings a wealth of professional experience to the college.
He attended West Park Primary and Red House School, and signed for Hartlepool United’s Under-14s before earning a scholarship at 16 and making the first-team bench.
Moving to Mansfield Town aged 17 as a second-year scholar, he secured a two-year professional contract and gained valuable experience during loan spells at clubs like Kettering.
After leaving the professional game, he moved to West Auckland before signing for Stockton 18 months ago.
Off the pitch, Josh has quickly built an extensive and highly respected coaching network.
After launching his own coaching business in March 2023, he now works with more than 100 players – ranging from five to 23 years old – through group, team and one-on-one sessions across Hartlepool.
Alongside his coaching credentials, Josh operates as a qualified physiotherapist from his base at FC Hartlepool’s Grayfields. Since opening his practice in November, he specialises in musculoskeletal issues, ensuring local youth and senior players remain fit and healthy.
“I get a lot of kids who get injured come and see me, and a lot of the FC lads come and see me too,” Josh said.
“I hit the right timing to do my sports coaching because everyone now wants to do it. That has developed into a nice place to do the physio as well. It’s not just too much of one thing at the moment, so they are exactly where they want to be.”
Josh Scott presenting to a class at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
At Hartlepool College, Josh will work closely with students from all academic backgrounds, ensuring that competitive football is accessible to everyone across the campus.
He said: “It is really nice to be in the college. Having been in the full-time environment, it is nice for me to come in and see how the players are developing week in and week out. It is exciting.
“We are working with a lot of the sports coaching and college players, who will train Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a game on a Wednesday.
“We are getting engineers and bricklayers playing the game; it doesn’t matter what courses they are on because they are still getting the opportunities to play.”
The appointment marks a key moment in the college’s strategic vision for its sports department. Former Hartlepool and Doncaster winger Ian Clark, Hartlepool College’s head of performance, believes Josh’s arrival highlights the institution’s ambitions.
Clark said: “Bringing Josh into the fold is a massive statement of intent for Hartlepool College and a clear sign of the direction we are going.
“We are fully committed to developing fresh sporting talent, but equally, we want to develop them as well-rounded people.
“Josh has experienced the highs of professional academies and the demands of the non-league game, alongside building his own successful coaching and physio businesses. That real-world experience is invaluable for our students to learn from.”
Josh Scott working with a student in the gym at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
Working alongside Clark and fellow coach Ethan Wood, Josh is eager to pass on his knowledge to students aiming for a career in sports, whether as players or coaches.
Josh said: “We help them put what they learn in the classroom onto the pitch. So it is also nice to see those students develop their own coaching sessions too.
“Some of the students have the mentality to get as high as possible, and it is about managing expectations. We have had athletes on the courses who have gone on to sign pro contracts with clubs, but even in the non-league sector, there are massive opportunities.”
Ultimately, Josh’s goals for his students extend far beyond the football pitch.
“I would love to see the players go on and play at good levels and be the main people in their teams, whether that is the Northern League or Northern Premier League,” he said.
“But it would also be lovely to see them grow in confidence and give them the tools to succeed in anything they want to do, whether that is football or work-related. It is about teaching them to be respectful in every way we do it.”
I would love to see the players go on and play at good levels and be the main people in their teams, whether that is the Northern League or Northern Premier League.”
-Josh Scott, Head of Football Development, Hartlepool College of Further Education
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