About Us

Vision Statement

Albion is dedicated to creating a footballing environment where all players—regardless of background or ability—are supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. Since 2017, through Albion Coaching, we have trained, mentored, and supported football in Hawke’s Bay, helping players and coaches develop both on and off the field.

We believe football should be more than just a game; it’s a platform for confidence, creativity, and connection. Our philosophy is built on holistic player development, encouraging free-thinking decision-makers who express themselves authentically while learning the values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

Through expert coaching and a positive, player-first approach, we create an environment where every individual can thrive.

We are here to help every player reach their 100%. 

Chris Greatholder

Founder and methodologist for Albion Coaching. A NZF/OFC A-License holder and also an Advanced Coach Educator with New Zealand Football.

Chris has spent time in six professional academies and is TOVO accredited. He has also spent many years coaching at national league level in NZ.



"I am passionate about developing people and a sense of community through football. Through the high performance academy, I want to be bold enough to say that we can develop international footballers that come from Hawke's Bay."

Stephen Hoyle

Stephen has lived and breathed football around the world, playing in four FIFA confederations and experiencing the game through different cultures, styles, and environments.

As a coach he is currently Assistant Coach for the New Zealand U17 Women’s National Team and Napier City Rovers Men's National League side, as well as an NZF Advanced Coach Developer. He is currently completing his NZF/OFC A Licence assessment.

"For me, football is more than a sport—it’s a vehicle for growth. The way you play is the way you approach life, and I want to create environments where players feel empowered to take risks, solve problems, and express themselves, both on and off the pitch. My job is to develop better footballers and better people."

Mark 'Floody' Flood

Mark began coaching his son Liam through the Papamoa Football Club’s First Kicks program when Liam was four years old. By age six, Liam and his team started to better understand the game, but Mark found it difficult to coach them from a player's perspective. To improve, he completed the introductory and junior level 1, 2, & 3 coaching courses, more recently, earning his C Licence coaching certificate with New Zealand Football.

Mark and his family moved from Papamoa to Havelock North at the beginning of 2022. Being part of a football academy had been a dream of his for quite some time. So when the opportunity to join Chris at Albion Coaching came up, he jumped all in.

Christine Smith

Christine has been involved in Junior coaching in Hawkes Bay for 8 years at club and FTC level. She has a junior level 2 coaching award and is currently working towards her C license.

"I’ve been involved with the Albion program for 9 months and the growth in the players’ understanding of the game over that time has been immense. I’m excited to be part of their continuing development as players. The coaching philosophy at Albion under Chris’ guidance provides a unique opportunity for talent development in our region."

Nathan Seaward

Nathan is a NZF C-License holder and has been coaching in the Academy for over 12 months. He is a keen student of the game and has made a significant difference to the players he has worked with. Nathan is currently specialising in our u11/u12 age groups and loves to create environments that are fun, competitive and safe for the players to be able make mistakes and therefore learn quickly.

Nathan believes that Tovo’s ‘3 C’s’ of character, competence and cognition are essential to help our players reach their own 100%. He is massively excited about the future of the academy and helping our youth players flourish.

Ben Quane

Ben is a C Licensed Albion Coach with over 40 years of football playing experience. He has played at various clubs in Hawkes Bay and Auckland, representing Hawkes Bay in his teens.

Ben is very passionate about football, especially the girls game, having two daughters who both play and love the game.

"Since joining the Albion Coaching staff, I have learnt more in one year with Chris than I have playing for 40 years! His methodology and approach are inspirational, creating an environment which is fun, dynamic, and conducive to learning."