We are excited to reveal the coaching trio tasked with leading our Scholarship into 2025.
Following the announcement of our 32-player squad, the countdown is on to the season’s kick-off in March, where it has been confirmed that a trip to Warrington Wolves is first-up.
Tasked with leading a group looking to become Salford stars of the future is Jon Mann, who has become Head Coach of our newly formed Scholarship.
Jon has extensive coaching experience, having led Newton Storm U18s to a North West Counties Premier Division title before moving into senior coaching with Pilkington Recs.
He has been part of the England Community Lions setup since 2023, contributing to U16, U18 & U19 successes in major international tournaments.
Since 2022, Jon has worked with Salford, progressing from Talent ID to coaching in the U18 REDS pathway. With a background in community rugby and sports therapy, his expertise strengthens the coaching team.
Joining his team as Assistant Coach is Stephen Kelsey, an extremely experienced community coach in the North West Counties Youth League, where he transferred his experience as a player to an off-the-field role.
Completing the trio is Dom Williams, a figure already embedded within our youth set-up at the Red Devils.
His involvement through a lot of pathways coaching at the Club, as well as heading up the performance analysis team, means he is a natural fit for our second Assistant Coach.
On leading our Scholars into 2025, Jon Mann has said: “It is an incredible honour to have been asked to step into the role of Head Coach for the Scholarship group here at Salford.
“It’s a privilege to work with such a talented and hardworking group of young athletes, and to help guide their development both on and off the field.
“It is an exciting time with our elite pathway being back in place, for which I am really looking forward to laying the crucial foundations that our players will need to give themselves the best opportunity of progressing through our ranks.”
He continued: “Pre-season has been fantastic so far, the effort and dedication the players have shown is truly inspiring. We’ve focused on building those strong foundations, improving their skills, and fostering a team-first mentality.
“It’s truly exciting to see their progress already in such a short space of time, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they develop as the year unfolds. There is a real excitement around this group, for which I cannot wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Assistant Coach, Stephen Kelsey added: “In the short time I’ve been here at Salford, I see what this club is about, understanding its values and what they are doing behind the scenes to develop its talent through their pathway program.
“To be given this opportunity as an Assistant Coach working with the Scholars has been great. They are a great bunch of lads and I’m learning a lot myself, with the support of Jon and Dom, who have both helped me settle in.
“I’m really looking forward to what the future brings – what more can I say!”
Dom Williams, also Assistant Coach, has said: “After 10 years coaching locally in the community game with Folly Lane, then progressing to Head Coach of the Rising Stars programme – and being part of the Reserves coaching staff at the club for the last three years – I’m really proud to become Assistant Coach of the Scholarship team, and I’m excited to be developing the next generation of the Original Red Devils.
“It’s an exciting time for the club as a whole, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the players adopt the Salford way, reach their potential and hopefully progress through to the Academy, Reserves and ultimately play Super League for us.”
