Lee is one of the co-founders of Albion. He is a fully qualified UEFA B licensed coach. Lee has 10 years of coaching experience working with Schools and colleges in both England and Spain, also working in professional football Academies in the UK. Lee has also led coaching courses in community projects throughout Manchester, working to develop young coaches for future employment.
Who is your favourite football player?
I have a few if I am honest. In no particular order, Paul Gascoigne and Zinedine Zidane just optimised the romance of football for me. Gazza was so inventive you didn’t know what he was going to do from one minute to the next, to be honest, I don’t think he knew. While Zidane just possessed elegance and seemed like he was walking on water a lot of the time, almost like his feet never touched the floor. However, my all-time favourite has to be Andy Ritchie. Unless you supported my team, you wouldn’t know who he is, but for me he was a hero and to be honest, still is.
What is your favourite football team?
For my sins, Oldham Athletic. Again, much like Andy Ritchie, not many people outside of the UK would have heard of them but that is my team. It is unusual as my dad is a big Manchester United fan, but it was my Uncle who took me to my first game. Ironically it was a 5-2 defeat to Manchester United in 1993. I’ll never forget the noise, smell and Ryan Giggs running past me at 100 mph. Cantona played and scored as well as the Man Utd legends like Kanchelskis, Keane and Ince. But it couldn’t take me away from the boys in blue!
What is your favourite skill and who does it?
In Spain it would be called La Pelopina, in English just simply the 360-degree turn or just turn. For me, it is probably the most basic skill and should be the first that you learn and master. It is basically a turn away from the defender to protect the ball. it can be used in an area of the field and is done by some of the greats. The master of La Pelopina is probably Xavi, though I also enjoy watching David Silva execute this skill.
If you could give one piece of advice about learning football what would it be?
I would refer to a Bruce Lee quote “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Messi optimises this as he has practised one thing throughout his career it seems – just excellent agility, balance and coordination through exceptional body movements, not a trick in sight.
If you could give one piece of advice about learning English what would it be?
Similar, there is no ‘trick’ to learning a new language. it is hard and you have to understand that, time and effort are your best friends so use them and try your best to 100% of your ability. Once that is understood, learn things you enjoy and enjoy doing it. Language isn’t a subject you ‘need’ to learn at school or for work, it is an excellent tool to learn new things, meet new people and understand different cultures.