Lee Cowling

Lee David Cowling (born 22 September 1977, in Doncaster, England) is an English former professional footballer who played in the Football League as a defender for Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town.

Playing career
Born in Doncaster, Cowling started his career as a trainee at Manchester United, after they spotted him playing junior league football in Doncaster for Bessacarr Green Eagles, beating Sheffield Wednesday Leeds Utd and Arsenal to his signature. After numerous appearances alongside players such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, Lee felt his best opportunities laid elsewhere. Tempted by Brian Clough and Nottingham Foresthe joined the Reds at the City Ground. Lee was considered a top talent and a highly rated prospect. His time playing at Nottingham Forest saw the reigns of Brian Clough, Frank Clark, Stuart Pearce, Ron Atkinson and Dave Bassett. Lee captained their youth team, and made a handful of senior appearances, as well as being part of the England schoolboy setup alongside players such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Emile Heskey. He also represented England in the Under-18 squad. A serious recurring knee injury forced Lee to reconsider his career at an early age. After an enjoyable season with Mansfield Town, the club at which his father Dave Cowling started his career, his reoccurring knee injury forced him to retire in his twenties. He later signed for non-league Kettering in 2000, where he made 63 appearances in two seasons with the club and also enjoyed stints at Darlington FC, Harrogate Town, and Kings Lynn.

Coaching career
Lee is a UEFA A qualified coach who also holds The FA Youth Coaches Award and the Futsal Coaching qualification.

Lee worked as an Academy coach at Middlesbrough FC, Nottingham Forest FC, and Doncaster Rovers FC. Lee set up and developed two leading College football development centres, winning championships and cups consistently. He is responsible for helping a large number of college football players to move back into the professional game.

In 2011, Lee founded the Esprit Football Academy based at Doncaster Rovers Keepmoat training facilities, and High Melton College, providing formal education and footballing education to teenagers and young adults.

In September 2015, Lee joined Doncaster Rovers as an academy coach, and as of 2019, he also works in association with Fulham FC delivering a youth development scheme which as seen Fulham expand into countries such as Spain, South Africa, the United States, and Japan. with his company ProcampsUK.

Private life
His father is ex-football player Dave Cowling