My coaching career started in 1998 at the age of 17, playing and helping at my local club, Eastleigh Town. I gained my first coaching badges and continued helping at the weekly youth training sessions. I moved back to Northern Ireland in 2003 and started playing, coaching, and managing for clubs at the academy and senior levels. In March 2009 I co-founded and established Clooney Football Club, coaching children between the ages of 4 and 16 in a cross-community environment focussing on core skills and personal development for both students and coaches.
In 2018 I saw an advertisement for a Socatots football coach. I was offered the opportunity to become part of the NI Team running classes in L/Derry. After the first COVID 19 lockdown and the sudden passing of my dad (who had encouraged me to follow my passion), I started my journey as a franchisee after months of training and support. My classes launched in September 2021.
Most critical for me as a coach is to instil a love for the game. The best players in the world play with a smile on their face. Football is an equaliser regardless of a person’s abilities. The game brings people together developing teamwork, communication, and an opportunity to succeed, have fun and be happy. Parents sharing moments with children are memories that will never fade. To develop and be a part of that is what makes the game of football such an important part of my life.
Come and join us at Socatots and help your child fall in love with the game and play with a smile on their face!
Qualifications:
JAN 2022 – IFA Designated Child Welfare Officer Cert
JUNE 2021 – IFA UEFA C DIPLOMA Designated Child Welfare Officer, Level 1 Football Qualification, Level 2 Personal Trainer
