Adam, from Torbay, played for Exeter City's reserve and youth teams as a midfielder in 1992/93 and 1993/94. He was later player-manager of Dawlish Town.

He obtained a degree in sports science and coaching from Marjons, Plymouth - and was soon running his own coaching business - before furthering his career by gaining a range of coaching qualifications, a diploma in sports law and a MSc in football agency ahead of becoming a FA-registered football intermediary.