Titlings
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So, why do I coach? The answer is simple, because I love it.
To see the pleasure on kids’ faces when they do something for the first time, whether it’s saving a goal, their first pass, or even their first touch, it makes you feel fulfilled. It’s a reminder of the joy and excitement that football brings, and knowing that you’ve played a part in their growth and confidence makes it even more rewarding.
How it all began
From age dot, I was born into a football family. My dad loved football, and from when I can remember, we always had a football kicking around the front room or garden. Our favourite game as a family was keeping a balloon up (you know you’ve all done it). Endless hours of fun.
I really caught the bug when I was 7, watching the World Cup in Italia 90 and seeing Linkear, Gazza and Pearce on the pitch. It was heartbreak in the end for England, but I wanted to play.
One of my best mates from age 4, Lee Cooper, introduced me to Tonbridge Invicta, and the rest was history. A group of us played together all the way up to adult football; the families became besties, we toured together, holidayed together, and progressed to Tonbridge Angles, and we loved it.
When everything changed
My progression stopped when a bad leg break halted me in what I’d say was my prime (some may disagree). But as the years went by, I became more interested in coaching, managing, and assistant managing in the Kent Men’s League. As my coaching progression was starting to happen, I decided to step away and coach my two sons, Cellan and Caiden, with no regrets. I went full throttle into youth coaching, and after 7 years, with the help and advice from my dad, I helped numerous kids play football, regardless of their ability to play grassroots football.
Then, a few years ago, my dad passed away suddenly, and everything changed. As you can imagine! My dad always said I should start something that allows all kids to play football and that I’d be good at it. I then decided to start Big Bear Football Coaching (Big Bear, a name given to me by my mates). And the rest, as they say, is history.
Where we are now
At Big Bear we allow all kids of all abilities to play football for the pure enjoyment of the game. We want to help each child find their way, whether that’s helping them find clubs to play for, improving their skills with our 1:1s, or helping them progress to a higher level. I have my own ambitions at the highest levels of coaching, but most importantly, at Big Bear, we’re giving everyone a platform to play. I feel that all coaches can do both. I love football because of all these things, and I believe it’s made me the person I am today.
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