About Jeff Hawkins
Football educator, coach and tour organiser with over 30 years’ experience helping young players develop through sport and travel.
Jeff Hawkins has spent over three decades working in football and education, helping young people develop through sport, teamwork and shared experiences.
As Director of Sport at Thomas’s Battersea and former Head of PE at the school for over 15 years, Jeff has extensive experience organising sports programmes, leading school trips and delivering football opportunities for young players.
Alongside his work in education, Jeff has held professional roles within elite football including Assistant Academy Director at Charlton Athletic, Academy Coaching Coordinator for Chicago Fire in the United States and Football Development Manager at Crystal Palace.
Through JHCC Living the Dream, Jeff combines his experience in football, coaching and education to organise carefully planned football tours that give players the chance to train, compete and experience new environments together.
Experience in Football and Education
Director of Sport – Thomas’s Battersea
Leading the school’s sports programme and supporting students across a wide range of sports and activities.
Head of PE – Thomas’s Battersea
Managed a department of PE teachers and organised school sports tours and outdoor education experiences.
Assistant Academy Director – Charlton Athletic
Academy Coaching Coordinator – Chicago Fire Soccer Club
Football Development Manager – Crystal Palace
A Personal Approach to Football Tours
Jeff believes that football tours should be about far more than just matches and training sessions.
The most memorable trips combine sport, travel and shared experiences that help players grow in confidence and build strong team bonds.
With extensive experience leading school groups and organising sports tours, Jeff understands the importance of careful planning, clear communication and creating an environment where players, staff and parents feel confident and supported throughout the trip.
Beyond the Pitch
Jeff is passionate about staying active and spending time outdoors with his family. When he isn’t organising football tours or working with students, he enjoys travelling in the family campervan, kayaking and exploring new places.
Jeff has completed several Ironman events as well as numerous marathons and ultra-distance races, reflecting his lifelong love of endurance sport. Each winter he also heads to the mountains for a skiing trip, where he swaps football boots for a snowboard.
These experiences reflect Jeff’s belief that sport, adventure and shared experiences play a powerful role in building resilience, confidence and teamwork.