At just 24, Hope alumus Jordan Hadaway is the head coach and manager of Llandudno FC, guiding the club through a period of transformation and renewed success.
Alongside his football career, he works full‑time as a PE teacher in Wales, a dual commitment that reflects his passion for teaching and his drive to make a difference to the lives of the young people he works with.
Jordan graduated from Liverpool Hope University four years ago, and credits the university’s flexibility, care, and personalised support as the foundation of his success.
“Hope is unique, caring and individualised. It’s a university that genuinely cares about people.”
Jordan’s coaching journey began in the lower leagues, supporting and coaching a junior team. Those early experiences shaped his coaching identity and opened doors to a host of opportunities, including coaching with Real Madrid.
He credits the support of Penny Haughan and Caroline Wakefield, who helped him balance teaching assignments and placements, coaching commitments, and academic work.
“Without the support of the staff at Hope, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. They encouraged my development outside of academia and gave me the flexibility to grow professionally and personally.”
When Jordan took over at Llandudno FC, the club needed stability and direction. Being trusted with such responsibility at 24 was both a challenge and a motivator.
“Some people were sceptical about my age, and that only fuelled me to prove them wrong.”
He works closely with his father‑in‑law, who has been part of the club for 35 years. Their shared commitment has made recent achievements even more meaningful.
With the club now competing in the top league, the demands have increased significantly.
“The club’s recent promotion to the top Welsh league takes far more commitment. It’s a sacrifice but one I’m willing to make.”
Despite his rapid rise in football, Jordan describes teaching as his greatest passion.
“Teaching is my biggest passion. If I can influence just one young person, I’ll feel rewarded.”
Balancing full‑time teaching with football management is challenging, but Jordan sees strong transferable skills between the two roles; leadership, communication, relationship‑building, and consistency.
“Switching from football manager to teacher can be difficult, but the skills overlap. The key to success in both is creating and holding relationships.”
Jordan’s advice to the next generation of students is to take every opportunity, work hard and be honest; a mantra that he has applied in his own career.
“To be successful, you have to be willing to make sacrifices. But if you work hard and stay honest, the rewards come. I owe my career to Hope. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”