About Gary

Football has given me many things over the years: 

Friendships, challenges, joy, frustration, and a lifelong love of the game. But when I first stepped into coaching, I was completely unprepared for what lay ahead.

Like so many grassroots coaches, I started with enthusiasm, but very little understanding of what children needed from a coach. I knew the game as a player, but coaching young people is a different world entirely.

I had questions and doubts.
Moments where I wondered whether I was doing anything right.

And back then, support for new coaches was minimal. No CPD, no mentoring, no social-media tips, no easily accessible books written for grassroots coaches.

Sometimes we just need reminding that nobody has all the answers.

What we will all come to realise in time is that we just need to concentrate on the things that really matter:

How to think as a coach

How to work with parents

How to build confidence in young players

How to shape an enjoyable learning environment

How to balance guidance with freedom

How to reflect, observe, and help players grow holistically

How to sustain yourself for the long journey

Whether you’re brand new, a novice, or a few seasons into your journey, my aim is simple:
to support you, encourage you, and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.

If your players arrive at training with a smile and leave with a smile on their face, you’re already doing something right.

My Journey

I am now a UEFA C and UEFA B - FA Coach Developer, with over 30 years of coaching experience in a wide range of environments and 20 years working as a Coach Developer. I’m also an A Licenced coach.

My journey has taken me through many grassroots programs and professional development schemes.

For the past few years, I’ve been operating my own coaching business,  County Coach Development - and have had the privilege of mentoring and supporting many clubs and coaches at all levels.

However, my career has included several key roles:

County Coach Developer for the Football Association based in Essex (5 years)

Coach Development Officer at the Essex County Football Association (12 years)

Manager of a Football Development Scheme for Basildon District Council (5 years) and

Community Coach for Southend United Football in the Community Scheme and the Centre of Excellence (4 years)

During this time, I’ve also been fortunate to deliver various coach education courses for both the FA and UEFA, including:

FA Level 1 and Level 2 in Coaching Football

FA Coaching Disabled Footballers

FA Youth Award - Module 1, Module 2, and Module 3

Currently a FA Coach Developer on UEFA C and UEFA B courses and a Coach Developer for Essex FA delivering on their CPD programme, working with both clubs and coaches across the county.

I would like to give a mention to my wife, Bev, without whose support throughout my journey it would not have happened.