The Art of Coaching

Football coaching is both a beautiful and challenging job. What makes a great coach? Is it just their certificates, their years of experience, or where they come from?

Football is an art. A great coach needs the right mindset and patience with each player. They must keep control while also being a mentor and friend. Developing a footballer goes hand in hand with personal growth, so a coach must help players grow as people as well as athletes.

We carefully choose our coaches because we believe the quality of education depends on the quality of the teachers.

MEET THE TEAM

  • Mehran Rowshan | Alliance FC's Founder

    Mehran Rowshan

    FOUNDER

    Mehran Rowshan is a pioneering sports and life coach in Dubai. Specialising in coaching children, teenagers, and young adults, Mehran is a highly-trained and trusted professional with 15+ years of experience working in the field of sports and youth coaching.

    Coaching Qualifications:

    Football Psychology. The F.A

    Coaching Children. The F.A

    Soccer Camp Coach Course. The F.A

    Player & Match Analysis. The F.A

    Planning, Preparing & Evaluation Coaching. The F.A

    UEFA “B” Coaching License. The F.A

    International Coaching License. The F.A

    Football Coaching Mentorship. Holland

    Football Brain Training. Portugal
    Pro License | Portugal

    Health & Safety Level 3 UK

    Pro-Course, Netherlands

    Experiences:

    Coach, Aston Villa, UK

    Coach, Arsenal Soccer School Dubai

    +5000 players coached

    Developed and Designed more than 300 Unique football Drills

  • Jess Simnett

    Jess Simnett

    Chief Operating Officer

    Jess is a UEFA A Licence Coach with international experience as an assistant coach to England’s WU15, WU16 and WU23 National Teams.

    Jess has eight years of experience working in the England Women’s Talent Pathway, supporting the development of national team players and being responsible for finding and developing the next generation of ‘Future Lionesses’.

    Coaching Qualifications:

    UEFA A Licence

    FA Youth Award

    FA Developing The Developer

    Effective Coaching in The Elite Female Game

    Sport, Physical Education & Coaching Science BSc (Hons) - The University of Birmingham, UK

    Experiences:

    England Women's National Teams - U15, U16 & U23's Assistant Coach

    FA Talent Technical Coach (North West & North East of England) - Supporting clubs such as; Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton, Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United, Leeds United & Sunderland.

    FA National Development Programme - Head Coach

    Lead the strategic direction of The England Women's Talent Pathway & The Discover My Talent Campaign in the North East of England

    Developing a High-Performing Culture within The England Women's Talent Pathway Team

  • Alena Moulton Head of girls football

    Alena Moulton

    Head of Girls

    Alena has over 10 years of experience both with national teams and in club football. She has worked at Stoke City, Nottingham Forest, and Derby County, where she has held roles such as First Team Manager and Technical Director.

    Alena has vast experience developing and supporting female players and coaches within the England Talent Pathway, working diligently to ensure female players have access to opportunity and are exposed to the best possible experiences.

    Coaching Qualifications:

    UEFA A Licence

    FA Talent Identification

    FA Mentoring Adults

    Experiences:

    FA Technical Coach/ Elite Coach Mentor

    Assistant Coach to England Women's National Teams

    First Team Manager - Stoke City Women

    Technical Director - Nottingham Forest RTC

    U16 Head Coach - Derby County Regional Talent Club

  • Ebony Thompson Lead Coach

    Ebony Thompson

    Lead Coach

    Combining a background in education, football, and professional play, Ebony joins us with a wealth of knowledge and a passionate driving force to provide the younger generation with tools to develop and grow them on and off the field. She strives to put female football at the forefront and empower young footballers to provide them with excellent opportunities.

    Coaching Qualifications:

    Bsc. Primary Education (5-11) with recommendations for QTS Degree

    FA Level One

    FA Level Two (UEFA C)

    Level 3 Higher Sports Leadership Award

    Safeguarding for children

    First Aid Training

    Disability Football Introduction

    English FA Welfare Officers course

  • Milad Salehi Lead Coach Boys football

    Milad Salehi

    Lead Coach

    Milad has over 7 years experience working at Chelsea Football Club as Head Coach of the Boys and Girls Development Centres.

    Milad is passionate about developing the next generation of footballers and has a knack for identifying and nurturing talent, focusing not only on teaching technical skills, but also instilling a love for the game in players.

    Milad's coaching philosophy emphasises creating a positive environment where players can thrive, learn, and grow both on and off the field.

    Coaching Qualifications:

    Physical and Sport Education BA (Hons) - St Mary’s University, UK

    Football Education, Coaching and Development (FdSc) - St Mary’s University, UK

    UEFA C Licence

    FA Level 1 in Coaching Futsal

    FA Level 1 in Talent ID

    FA Primary Teachers Award

    FA Safeguarding Children

  • Manuel Monticelli

    Lead Coach

    Manuel began his coaching journey in 2010, working with several teams in Italy and from 2018 to 2021 he served as a coach for the Italian Football Federation, working in the “Territorial Development Centres” programme for Italian youth football.

    In 2021, he started his international career, coaching in Finland with FC Viikingit Helsinki, and then, from 2023 to 2025, in Australia, where he worked with the Empoli Academy and Atalanta Academy in Sydney, as well as working as an assistant coach for several teams in the National Premier Leagues (NPL).

    In February 2025, Manuel arrived in Dubai to bring his experience and skills to Alliance FC, contributing to the club's growth and helping develop young players, leveraging his expertise gained over 15 years in the industry.

    Coaching Qualifications:

    Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science

    UEFA B Licence

  • Raissa Lumaban

    Club Admin

  • SOPHIA MSETTI

    GIRLS PATHWAY LEAD COACH

    Sophia Msetti, fondly referred to as "Matty", has over 7 years of experience in coaching football with both her national team, and various football academies and clubs. Verona Sports Academy, Simba Queens Sports Club, Argentina Football Academy to name a few.

    Matty has a passion for football along with a real determination to transform a player's potential into visible improved performance, utilising her strategic mindset and leadership skills to develop female players through the realms of football.

    Coaching Qualifications


    CAF Diploma B Coaching Course


    FIFA Grassroots Football Coaching Course


    FIFA Women Football Coaching Course


    Manchester City Young Leader Award

    International Goalkeeper Coaching Course

    First Aid Training

    Experience

    Head Coach - Tiger Football Academy


    Assistant Coach - Argentina Football Academy


    Head Coach - Romario Sports Academy


    Head Coach - Verona Sports Academy


    Assistant Coach - Simba Queens Sports Club

    Professional Playing Career - Tanzania Women's National Team (Twiga Stars)