Featured in:
01. BY THE NUMBERS
20+ Years elite coaching experience
2 Senior National Team coaching roles
2 Youth National pathway Coaching & Talent ID roles
2 Professional Academy Leadership roles
4 Countries worked in across 2 FIFA Confederations
UEFA A Licence & UEFA Elite Youth A Licence
Expert coach guest speaker & presenter on global platforms
100+ Players developed into PRO contracts & National Teams
02. ABOUT
James Thomas is an elite women's football coach and high-performance leader with more than 20 years of experience across professional clubs, international football, and national talent pathways. He is currently Head Coach of Peyia Akamas Ladies FC in the Cyprus Women’s League.
His approach — to his own learning, to the programs he operates in, and to the development of those he works with — is driven by a relentless desire to be BETTER • EVERY • DAY. His work is grounded in a player-first philosophy, shaped by clear standards, strong leadership, and the deliberate creation of environments where players, coaches, and teams are able to perform, learn, and thrive under pressure.
That philosophy has taken shape across two spells at Bristol City Women FC in coaching and leadership roles, as Head Coach of Gwalia United FC, and most recently as Academy Manager at Newcastle United Women FC. Internationally, he has contributed across Wales Women's U17, U19, and Senior squads, before serving as Head Coach of the Trinidad & Tobago Women's National Team — alongside supporting The FA's England Women & Girls Elite Talent Pathway as a Talent Reporter and as a lead coach on the National Girls Advanced Coaching Centres programme.
James is widely respected for developing players, coaches, and high-performance environments — and for his insight across coach education, talent identification, and performance culture.
03. A CAREER BUILT ON LEGACY
HEAD COACH | Peyia Akamas Ladies FC (Cyprus)
ACADEMY MANAGER | Newcastle United Women FC (England)
WOMEN’S TALENT REPORTER | The Football Association (England)
HEAD COACH | Gwalia United Women FC (Wales)
ACADEMY MANAGER | Bristol City Women FC (England)
HEAD COACH | Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team
ASSISTANT COACH | Wales Women’s National Teams (17/19/Seniors)
HEAD COACH | Bristol City Women’s u21’s (England)
HEAD COACH | The FA Girls Advanced Coaching Centre (England)
HEAD COACH | Wales Girls National Centre of Excellence (Wales)
04. QUALIFICATIONS
UEFA A LICENCE
UEFA ELITE YOUTH A LICENCE
EFFECTIVE COACHING IN THE FEMALE GAME (ECFG)
ADV. TALENT ID & DEVELOPMENT IN FOOTBALL (LEVEL 3)
YOUTH AWARD
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARD
05. TESTIMONIALS
" I have known James since his employment at the Football Association of Wales as an Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Senior & Youth National teams.
James has also completed his UEFA A Licence and UEFA Elite Youth A Licence through the FAW Coach Education program, and is also a frequent attendee at the FAW National Coaches Conference to complete his coach education CPD.
James is a dedicated student of the game, reliable and professional individual who has effective interpersonal skills and has in depth experience and knowledge of elite female player development, having worked at both club and international level "
Dr Dave Adams, Technical Director, Football Association of Wales
"I had the pleasure of working alongside James for over nine years across three different organisations and roles, and I can confidently attest to his professionalism, diligence and reliability.
James has a strong history and experience of developing players from Academy to 1st Team to National Team levels. In addition, his expertise in Talent Identification, with an eye towards future potential, has been instrumental in building a successful player pathway.
His ability to create an environment conducive to growth is a testament to his commitment to excellence. I have witnessed first hand how he inspires those around him to reach their full potential, and his positive impact is felt throughout the organisation.
As a coach, he is extremely detailed, positive, and creative, and an excellent tactical problem-solver and is able to impart his message to players with clarity even when under pressure "
Lauren Smith, Assistant Coach, Man City Women FC
" I have worked with James, as both a player and as a coach at both club and National team level, for a number of years.
James has a calm approachable manner, accompanied by expert detailed knowledge of the Elite Women's Game across all age levels.
He has played a positive role in my playing career at Bristol City Women FC and with the Wales Women's National Team, and most recently as a coaching colleague at Bristol City Women FC "
Loren Dykes, Fmr Captain, Wales Women’s National Team
" Catalyst : that's the word that comes to mind when I think of coach James Thomas.
When you look at on-field coaching, tactical analysis, player management, environment and professionalism, most coaches excel in two or three of these areas. James has all it - yes, all five!
I have had 7 national team coaches in my career and James has exceeded my expectations and all previous experiences. Next to his high level of coaching and tactical knowledge, his player management was my favourite trait - he treats his players like GOLD! That's what made our WNT experience with him so incredible - because trust was built from day 1.
So to Coach James - Thank you for giving of Women's National Team the best experience we ever had"
Lauryn Hutchinson, Fmr player, Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team
“ I worked with Coach James when he was appointed Trinidad & Tobago WNT Head Coach.
I applaud his professionalism, willingness to demand a high level at all times, transparency, openness to feedback, mindset to win, and the ability to build a unique structure geared towards the development of Women's Football in T&T
Our hopes and future were very bright under Coach Thomas. The sessions were well organised and extremely detailed in their delivery. Coach Thomas developed me as a player on & off the field. Coach Thomas was outgoing, respectful, supportive and frank when needed: Most of all, he was a great listener.
He was willing to fight for us as players on and off the field to help change the narrative of women's football in Trinidad & Tobago.“
Karyn Forbes, Fmr player, Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team
" I had the honour and privilege to work under the astute leadership of Coach James Thomas.
Coach James was not only a consummate professional but his tactical prowess was second to none in my experience with our WNT. He spent a lot of time crafting strategies and analysing the game with precision and foresight.
His tactical brilliance and on field delivery helped bring out the best in our players and team. There are many attributes that Coach James possesses but what I admired the most was his ability to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for all players.
Thank you Coach, for leading with clarity and vision: you left an indelible mark on us as a Women's National Team "
Maylee Atin-Johnson, Fmr. Captain, Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team
06. INSIGHTS
07. GALLERY
08. MEDIA
Featured on ELITE SOCCER as a guest expert on the PRE-SEASON, PREPARED series
Live on ROBINS TV, Bristol City's official broadcast channel as a game analyst & commentator
Live on National Media in TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, during National team camp
ELITE SOCCER - Alongside 2026 World Cup head coaches Ancelotti, Pochettino, Martinez & Marsch
09. CONNECT WITH ME
10. PARTNERS
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11. COACHING & LEADERSHIP
