Hi, I’m Ihor Galona.
My football journey started back in Ukraine and eventually brought me across Europe to follow my passion. I spent my teenage years studying at a competitive sports football school in Ukraine. I was lucky enough to play in the Kyiv Championships and travel for some amazing international tournaments. After school, I knew I wanted to make this my career. I spent two years at the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine, specializing in football coaching. In 2022, I decided to take a new step to push myself further by getting English degree. I spent two years at Lancaster and Morecambe College getting my BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport (Football Studies). After finishing college in August 2024, I got accepted into the University of Lancashire in Preston. Right now, I’m working hard toward my Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science (set to finish in May 2027).
Coaching & Sports Science Experience
I really believe that great coaching comes from understanding the science behind how athletes move. Over the last few years, I’ve had some incredible opportunities to work with everything from youth academies to professional setups:
- Westmorland County FA (Emerging Talent Centre): U14 Coach (having previously coached the U12 group for two seasons) and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Coach (August 2024 – Present). I run technical and tactical training sessions while building age-appropriate S&C programs to help young players develop their speed, power, and agility.
- The Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre: Lead Coach for Foundation & Youth Development Phase (August 2024 – Present). Here, I focus on helping young players build core movement skills and a strong technical foundation, tailoring sessions so every player can improve.
- Morecambe FC: Assistant Sport Scientist / Work Experience. Spending 4 months here was an incredible look into the professional game. I got to support academy players (YDP and Professional Development Phase) with warm-ups, gym sessions, and fitness testing.
- College Football Team: Assistant Head Coach & S&C Coach (September 2023 – May 2024). Managed the physical preparation and assisted on the tactical side during my second year of college.
- Professional Club Fitness Testing: I have hands-on experience conducting a wide range of athletic fitness tests. Within both academy and first-team environments for top clubs like Wigan Athletic, Preston North End, and Accrington Stanley FC.
- Fitness testing: I have experience operating advanced sports science equipment, including Isokinetic Dynamometers (IKD), as well as conducting and providing detailed analytical reports for VO2 max and Wingate tests.
My Playing Career
I think being an active player makes me a much better coach. I love competing and keeping my own game sharp:
- Preston North End Trials (Summer 2023): Getting trials at PNE was a massive milestone. The high-level feedback I received gave me a crystal-clear picture of what it takes to survive and thrive at the pro level.
- Lancaster and Morecambe Academy: Played regularly throughout my time in college.
- Kendal Town U-23: Played here from August 2023 until May 2025, competing at a fantastic development level. I’m incredibly proud to have capped off my final season here by winning the league with the team!
- Carnforth Rangers: This is where you can find me on the pitch right now, proudly wearing the shirt and competing every week.
Qualification & Stats
Head over to my Licenses & Certifications page see my full credentials, including my UEFA B Diploma and Level 3 Personal Trainer (ongoing learning) and more.
Want to see my own games are going? Check out all my active match data and performance breakdowns on my Player log page.