We were excited to meet with Mr Ieuan Lewis, Head of Football. We spoke to Mr Lewis to learn more about him and his roles.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have worked in education and coaching for nearly two decades in a traditional education environment and for Stevenage FC in their Academy. I have a Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning and have obtained the UEFA A Licence and Advanced Youth Award for my coaching of players; then, as a coach developer, I achieved a Post-Graduate Diploma in Elite Coach Development with the Premier League. My wife and I have three wonderful children. Our four-year-old daughter just started school, and the twin girls are now two years old, which keeps me incredibly busy and fulfilled when not on Top Field, Gears or Memorial!

Aside from teaching and education, what other things are you passionate about?

I love sports, football obviously, but I enjoy playing, watching, and coaching all sorts of sports. I think Mr Liffchak may have brought me in solely for my Welsh name, expecting me to be a top rugby coach!

What was your favourite subject at School?

Other than the obvious (PE), I loved History at School, luckily working with an amazing teacher from Year 7 all the way through to GCSE. Studying our recent and more distant past was fascinating, I encourage everyone with any interest to embrace the subject as even 20 years on, I'll open a war novel and dive in for hours at a time.

What made you decide to become a teacher?

I studied my PGCE straight out of university and did so whilst working at an FE College as I wanted to develop children and support them in entering the sports industry specifically. Having moved out of the industry to work in Academy football for nearly a decade, I was advised by a friend to apply for the Head of Football position at the School, as they felt that the environment and my experiences would fit the role perfectly. Having spent the past nine months here, I agree!

Could you share an inspirational quote with us? How does it inspire you?

"True wholeness comes not from the absence of suffering, but from finding meaning and purpose in the midst of it."

This resonates with me because we too often try to 'be positive' about everything, which hides our true selves and creates a lack of authenticity. I want to be someone who our pupils can look to as honest and not just a 'nice guy'.

What advice would you give to our pupils to ensure that they get the most out of their time at Mill Hill?

Throw yourselves into everything! The opportunities for extracurriculars here are rich and vast, and whilst there are only so many hours in the day, those who thrive here are the pupils who access as many opportunities as possible, work incredibly hard inside and outside of the classroom and then access our amazing staff for as much support as they need.

What excites you the most about your new role?

The potential growth of the game in the Independent School sphere. The girl's game, in particular, is growing exponentially at the elite level, and we have an amazing opportunity to progress the sport here at Mill Hill with a talented group of children both here and at Belmont.

What do you want to achieve as the Head of your sport?

I want every child in the school and the wider group to have the opportunity to play football, for our performance teams to achieve success in national competitions, and for individuals to reach their potential as athletes.