In November 2018, Coach David launched We Make Footballers Essex with a successful Talent ID event. The event had over 100 children in attendance and scouts from professional clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham, Millwall, West Ham and more! A number of players were approached on the day for further trials, but most importantly, players, coaches, parents and scouts enjoyed the event. Coach David will be launching weekly sessions in the Essex area focusing on individual player development and helping players become the best they can be. We sat down with David to talk about his years of experience in the football industry and passion for coaching:
How did you get into coaching?
I have been coaching since I was 15 years old. My Dad (a UEFA B qualified coach) used to coach me and my brother, so football has always been a family sport for us.
One day he asked me if it was something I'd be interested in, so I agreed to help out with a U6 session at a local grassroots team. Upon arrival, the coach who was meant to lead the session couldn't make it that day, so there I was taking a session of 20+ 5 and 6 year olds, not having a clue what I was doing! If I'm honest my session was totally awful and boring...but I loved it and have carried on coaching ever since!
The next few years jointly running a team with my brother, (who now also works in the professional game at a Premier League club), where we won three league and cup doubles in a row as well as getting to county cup finals. We were very successful both in terms of results but also player development where we always encouraged and invited our players to make the next step up if they could. Coaching in the local area and having a good impact on the players from our club was amazing!
Have you ever coached at an Academy Level?
Yes! I needed a new challenge, so I got my UEFA B license and started coaching for Millwall FC Academy! I started on a volunteer basis and then as a part time coach working predominantly with their U9s and U10s.
This was a great learning curve for me and enabled me to learn from excellent coaches, ex-professionals, and work with top quality young players in a great environment. I also got to learn what Academies are looking for in players and how to develop those skill sets.
Where else are you coaching currently?
Coaching at WMF Essex currently coincides with my other coaching roles which are now at Colchester United Academy and the running of the Barking & Dagenham College Elite football team, in conjunction with Dagenham & Redbridge FC where this season I managed the U18s in the FA Youth Cup.
I am fortunate enough to also have weekly access to the first team training, working with professional players and, more importantly for me, being to watch and learn from top quality coaches such as ex England and England U21 manager Peter Taylor. It's fantastic and I'm really enjoying it.
Why We Make Footballers Essex?
In the summer of 2018 I decided to leave my full time job in the TV advertising industry and focus solely on my love of football. Having an impact on football and youth development has always been my goal and with We Make Footballers, it was clear that our ideas on player development and football coaching were a match. With We Make Footballers, I can help players of all abilities become the best they can be.
I strongly believe that Essex and East London is home to so much footballing talent and I am really passionate and dedicated about trying to help every player in the area reach their potential, whatever that may be! Our weekly training takes place on a Friday, so please come along for a free taster session to see how we “make footballers”!
