Meet the team

Welcome to i-5 Academy profiles. A little insight into our team.

Lee Cowling

Academy Director and Owner of i-5
Lee Cowling ex Nottingahm Forest and England youth

Lee is a Senior Pro UEFA ‘A’ Licence coach with over 30 years of experience across all levels of the game. His football journey began as a youth player with Manchester United before signing professionally for Nottingham Forest, where he gained experience within the Premier League and Football League setup. After a promising playing career was curtailed by injury, Lee transitioned into full-time coaching in 2002, having first begun coaching while still playing in 1996.

Since then, he has developed a reputation for excellence in player development, working with elite academy systems and leading his own successful football academies. His coaching experience spans from grassroots to professional level, delivering structured programmes and mentoring both players and coaches.

Lee’s approach blends traditional football values with modern coaching principles, creating an environment where hard work, discipline, and growth thrive. He’s passionate about helping players realise their potential on and off the pitch, using his vast experience to shape technically proficient, mentally resilient footballers. With a proven track record and lifelong dedication to the sport, Lee continues to inspire and develop the next generation of talent.


Harry Wood

Lead Phase Development Coach u12s - u16s
Soccer player kicking a ball, wearing a black and gold striped jersey, with another player nearby.

Harry is a passionate and driven footballer whose journey began at Doncaster Rovers, where he proudly represented the club from U10s through to U18s, earning opportunities to train and travel with the first-team squad. His development continued at Boston United, featuring regularly for the U23s while also making appearances for the senior side—gaining invaluable experience in men’s football.

Loan spells with Grantham Town and Brighouse Town further strengthened his tactical awareness and adaptability across various levels of the game.


Alongside his playing career, Harry has embraced his coaching pathway, holding both an FA Level 2 and UEFA C Licence. His blend of professional experience and coaching knowledge allows him to bring a modern, player-focused approach to every session, inspiring young players to reach their full potential.


Ryan Makings

Lead Phase Development Coach u8s - 11s
Ryan Makings

Ryan has developed a strong foundation in football through both playing and coaching, bringing valuable experience from academy to senior non-league level. Having progressed through the youth systems at Sheffield United, Lincoln City, and Notts County, Ryan gained invaluable insight training alongside first-team professionals and understanding the demands of the game at a high level.


Now playing in non-league men’s football, Ryan continues to apply his on-field knowledge to his growing coaching career. A qualified FA Level 2 coach, he is currently studying a university degree in coaching to further enhance his tactical and technical understanding of player development. Passionate about helping players reach their potential, Ryan combines his practical experience with academic learning to build a well-rounded approach to coaching and development.

Arthur Batista

Head of International Operations
Silhouette of two hands clasped in a handshake against a background of horizontal blinds.

Coming soon...

alistair boyd-meaney

Head of International Operations
Two hands clasped in a handshake, silhouetted against a slatted window.

Alistair Boyd-Meaney is a successful entrepreneur and experienced business development manager and business consultant – having worked in education, business, football development and with football organisations worldwide.


Alistair has worked on the corporate and financial structuring of organisations as a whole and has built and developed organisations commercially and organisationally, to ensure financial stability and growth. This includes Further Education Colleges in the UK, small to medium sized enterprises and football organisations worldwide from Spain, Cyprus, Africa, Dubai and the UK.