PLV Charity

Pro Level Vision

Growing up in Staffordshire, co-founders Tom Conlon and Nathan Smith were both fortunate to be given the platform to pursue careers in professional football. In fact, looking back at the core childhood memories of each of our coaches - they all have one thing in common: they revolved around local, grassroots football. It was here that we were able to develop our football skills, as well as making new friends, building confidence and navigating childhood within a safe, sporting environment. Those training sessions provided us with pathways into Academy football and ultimately shaped us as young people. Through Pro Level Vision, we are determined to give every child in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire access to that same environment and experience, particularly those who are disavantaged,

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The PLV Mission

Pro Level Vision is a charity working in partnership with Pro Level Academy.

Together, we raise awareness and funds to support children who cannot get access to specialised football coaching.

We raise money to support children who come from backgrounds where being able to access regular high quality football coaching falls out of reach.

This shouldn’t just be for those small number of players who aspire to be future professional footballers, but all can benefit from the technical, tactical and psychological work we do.

Working hand-in-hand with PLA, we can provide an environment that fosters confidence, resilience and leadership qualities, while being a place where every player can thrive and feel valued.

Meet our Trustees

The team behind the team.

Emily Cherry
Emily Cherry is the current Chief Executive of the Bikeability Trust, running the Department for Transports cycle training programme for children and families. Emily has spent over 25 years in the children’s sector, largely at the NSPCC, but also at the Children’s Society and Barnardo’s. Her knowledge of charity governance is critical for PLV.
Paul Cherry
Paul Cherry enjoyed 10 years as semi-professional footballer before moving into project management, leading on complex, worldwide engineering projects. Opting for a career change  in 2007, he strudied Sports Science and a PGCE at Cambridge University. He brings with him lots of experience in education curriculum and safeguarding.
Tom Conlon
Tom Conlon is a current professional footballer for Oldham Athletic. Since turning professional in 2013, he has racked up almost 300 first-team appearances, with more than half of those coming for local side Port Vale. Utilising all of his experience as an elite athlete, Tom is eager to give back and change lives.
Nathan Smith
Nathan Smith is a seasoned professional footballer and the current club captain of Port Vale. Since making his debut, Nathan has been a model of consistency and commitment, nearing 500 career appearances. As a leader on and off the pitch, Nathan is passionate about  inspiring and positively impacting the lives of others.
Nick Ridgway
Nick Ridgway is the Owner and Head Coach at PLA, with over 14 years of experience in football coaching. Armed with a wealth of elite qualifications, including the prestigious UEFA A Licence, Nick has worked with players aged 5 to 18 across both the UK and USA. Through his work, he is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the local community, empowering young people and changing lives through football.
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Hannah Hiles
Our newest Trustee, Hannah Hiles, is a freelance journalist, writer and communications professional. With a career spanning senior roles at The Sentinel/Stoke-on-Trent Live and the Birmingham Mail, Hannah has a strong focus on heritage, regeneration, arts, culture and tourism, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Hannah brings her deep local knowledge, storytelling skills and dedication to community engagement to the PLV board.
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