Mark Haining joins the Ignite Sport UK team as new Adult Education Manager

We are delighted to welcome Mark Haining to the Ignite Sport UK team as our new Adult Education Manager.  

Mark started his new role this week after spending the past six years working for the FA as Regional Coach Development Manager across the south-east.  

Before that, the 57-year-old served in the Royal Air Force for 31 years. He combined his time at RAF Brize Norton with coaching at regional level – creating and developing the Oxford United Girls and Women’s Development Centre.  

He has also coaches within the senior women’s game at Oxford University and Carterton FC. Prior to this he worked as an academy coach at Swindon Town.  

Born in Amersham but now based in Carterton, Mark will lead the team to ensure our adult education programme is planned, prepared and delivered to the highest possible standard and support the education team’s growth and development.  

Mark said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Ignite Sport UK team as the training provider’s new Adult Education Manager.  

“I’m familiar with the setup at Oxford City FC and have built a strong relationship with Justin Merritt through my previous roles in football – so the opportunity really appealed to me.  

“I want to carry on delivering the fantastic work my colleagues have started by helping coaches and people involved in sport be better at what they do to help improve outcomes.  

“My role is about investing time in people that work with players in our county.” 

Justin Merritt, Ignite Sport UK director, said: “I’ve known Mark for almost 20 years through his work in regional football and I’m thrilled to add him to our team.  

“Mark’s addition means we will continue to create systems and processes to track and support learners through their journeys with Ignite Sport UK via our adult education programmes.  

“We’re passionate about nurturing every coach during their studies with Ignite Sport UK and personal development sits at the heart of our core values. On behalf of all my colleagues, I’d like to welcome Mark to the team and wish him every success in his new role.”