Ayo Oyelola, number 35, lining up at defensive back in an NFL stadium

ALA Coaching

From Chelsea's Academyto the NFL

Elite football, soccer and track pedigree in one coach. Professional defensive back, former Chelsea FC academy player, competitive sprinter and Grey Cup champion — now training athletes of every age, in person and remotely.

NFL
Jaguars & Steelers
Chelsea FC
Academy
Grey Cup
Champion 2021
Track
Sprinter
Ayo Oyelola in Jacksonville Jaguars kit before kickoff

The Coach

An unconventional path to elite football

British-born, he started where most NFL players never do — inside the Chelsea FC academy, learning the footwork, balance and spatial awareness that define world-class soccer defenders. Alongside it he sprinted competitively on the track, building the raw speed and acceleration mechanics that later separated him on a football field.

He took the leap few dare to: crossing the Atlantic to learn American football from scratch. Discipline, film study and relentless work turned that gamble into a professional career — a CFL Grey Cup championship in 2021 and NFL time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers as a defensive back.

That rare blend — soccer technique, sprinter speed, NFL-level position mastery and relentless attention to detail — is exactly what he brings to every athlete he coaches, whether they're on the field with him or training remotely.

Credentials

A résumé you won't find anywhere else

NFL Experience

Professional defensive back with time on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chelsea FC Academy

Developed in one of world soccer's most demanding youth systems.

Competitive Sprinter

Track background driving elite acceleration, top-end speed and running mechanics.

Grey Cup Champion

CFL champion in 2021 — proven at the highest level of professional football.

Soccer-to-NFL Pathway

A rare international route from European academies to the American pro game.

Coaching

Train with a professional

Every service is available in person or remotely. Pricing is tailored to the athlete and the programme.

In person & remote

1-on-1 Coaching

Fully individualised sessions built around your position, your level and your goals — delivered on the field or over live video.

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Position work

Football Skills Coaching

Defensive back technique: press, backpedal, hip transition, footwork, ball skills and coverage IQ taught by a pro DB.

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Speed & explosiveness

Athletic Performance Training

Sprint-mechanics-led programming for acceleration, top speed, change of direction and agility, drawn from a competitive track background.

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Remote

Film Breakdown & Remote Analysis

Send your game or practice film and receive a detailed breakdown with corrections, cues and a clear action plan.

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In person & remote

Mindset & Mentorship Coaching

Confidence, work ethic, recruiting pathways and the mental discipline that carried an athlete from academy soccer to the NFL.

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Who I Coach

All ages. All genders. In person or remote.

From first-time youth players to college and professional athletes, every session is built around the individual in front of me. Parents are welcome to book on behalf of their child, and remote coaching means distance is never the reason an athlete stops improving.

  • Youth athletes
  • High school
  • College
  • Adult & pro
  • Parents booking for their child
Talking with a young athlete at a youth football campGreeting a player at a JAG TAG flag football sessionHigh-fiving a young player wearing an Oyelola jerseySpeaking to students at Harris Academy Greenwich

Booking

Book a session

No payment required. Submit your preferred date and time and you'll get a confirmation email while the coach is notified straight away.

Free to submit — no payment required. Pricing is discussed after we confirm your session.

Contact

Prefer to talk first?

Text, call or email directly — happy to answer questions about programmes, availability or pricing before you book.