NextStep Soccer Agency

Jake McKettrick — Managing Director Jake McKettrick is the founder and Managing Director of NextStep Soccer Agency. He earned a college soccer scholarship to Georgetown College in the USA, where he played alongside NextStep associate Ben Halewood. After college he moved to Australia, playing for both Altona East Phoenix in Victoria and Sunshine Coast Wanderers in NPL Queensland. Experiencing college soccer in the USA, and NPL football in Australia gives him a first-hand understanding of every pathway NextStep offers. He founded the agency in October 2024 to give UK players the same opportunities he accessed himself. Ben Halewood — USA Recruitment Coordinator Ben Halewood leads USA recruitment at NextStep Soccer Agency. He earned a college soccer scholarship to Georgetown College in Kentucky after playing for Burnley FC Academy. He captained Georgetown College and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. His experience as a scholarship athlete, student leader, and academic high achiever gives him a genuine understanding of what US college programs look for and what players need to succeed once they arrive. He knows the college soccer system from the inside and uses that knowledge to match players with the right programs at the right level. Scott Fenwick — European Representative Scott Fenwick is NextStep's European Representative, bringing 17 years of professional football experience to the agency. He played professionally in the English Football League at York City, Tranmere Rovers, and Hartlepool United as well as gaining experience in Australia, Malta, and Ireland. That career gives him an understanding of what it takes to succeed in professional football and what clubs at every level are genuinely looking for in a player. He uses that knowledge to assess players honestly and identify the right pathway for each individual.