About Sadler Football Academy
Football runs deep in the Sadler family, a passion ignited over a century ago by the Sadler’s ancestor, Jack Cooper, the legendary goalkeeper who led Barnsley FC to victory in the 1912 FA Cup. Jack’s grit and glory on the pitch sparked a fire that burns brightly through his descendants, fueling a lifelong love for the beautiful game and a commitment to excellence in sport.
Building Community Through Football (SOCCER) Excellence
Founded by Stephen Sadler (Coach Steve) and his daughter Noelle Sadler-Hoenle (Coach Noelle), the Sadler Football Academy brings an authentic English-style training philosophy to the next generation of U.S. soccer players. Coach Steve, raised in the football heartland of 1970s Nottingham, England, played competitive school football for 10 years on foggy, frozen pitches. For over two decades, he has coached youth teams in Michigan, including 20 years in recreational and travel leagues across the Lake Orion, Brandon, and Oxford communities. Coach Noelle, a skilled footballer and goalkeeper with eight years of playing experience, is also a biochemist and dedicated coach. She has honed her craft over 14 years coaching competitive teams, sharing her father's passion for the game.
With over 50 years of combined football expertise, the Sadlers offer a personal, hands-on approach to training. The academy blends the intensity and discipline of English football, rooted in teamwork, resilience, and technical precision, with a nurturing, small-group environment tailored to young athletes. The Sadler Football Academy is more than a training ground; it’s a place where players build their skills and character, ready to shine on the competitive stage.
Join us to learn the game with heart, honor, and a century of Sadler spirit.
Note: All Sadler Football Academy trainers are USSF National certified.
Discover Jack Cooper’s inspiring journey - click here
Bio - Coach Steve
Coach Steve (Stephen Sadler), born in Nottingham, England, grew up steeped in the football culture of the 1970s, playing competitive striker for 10 years on UK and Canadian pitches. Inspired by Jack, Coach Steve developed a lifelong passion for the game. For over two decades, he has coached youth soccer in Michigan, including 16 years in recreational and travel leagues in the Orion, Brandon, and Oxford communities (ALLIANCE/LOBOS/OOSL) and five years with Oxford Soccer Club’s travel teams. As a USSF licensed soccer coach and co-founder of the Sadler Football Academy, Coach Steve brings an authentic English-style coaching philosophy, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and technical precision required to transform young athletes into footballers.
- 10 years competitive play (MF, Striker), in the UK and Canada
- 20 years+ Soccer Coach, Alliance FC, OSC, LOBOS / OOSL
- USSF National License - E-4751428
- CDC HeadsUp Concussion Certified
- SafeSports Certified
- Risk Management Check
Bio - Coach Noelle
Coach Noelle (Noelle Sadler-Hoenle), a skilled footballer and goalkeeper with eight years of competitive playing experience, carries forward the Sadler family’s century-long soccer legacy. Raised in Michigan, she honed her craft under the mentorship of her father, also inspired by her ancestor Goalkeeper, Jack Cooper. A USSF National licensed coach, Noelle has coached competitive youth teams for 14 years alongside Coach Steve in the Orion, Brandon, and Oxford communities, including five years with Oxford Soccer Club’s travel teams. As co-founder of the Sadler Football Academy and a biochemist, she blends passion and precision, delivering English-style coaching focused on teamwork, resilience, and technical skill to empower young athletes.
- 8 years competitive play (D, MF, GK), for LOBOS / OOSL
- 14 years+ Soccer Coach, Alliance FC / OSC / OOSL
- USSF Grassroots
- CDC HeadsUp Concussion Certified
- SafeSports Certified
- Risk Management Check