What inspired you to become a football coach?
My passion for football began in my early years playing at Leatherhead and Epsom in the Surrey Youth League. I spent 10 years at Chelsea, where I was fortunate to work with great coaches. I coached in the Women’s Under-23, Under-18s, and Under-12s, as well as the Boys Academy Under-8s and Pre-Academy. Although I didn’t make it as a player, my enjoyment and passion for football led me to coaching as a viable route to stay in the game. Working with Emma Hayes and seeing players I’ve coached go on to play at the Championship level and beyond has been incredibly rewarding. As a Technical Coach for the England Girls Talent Pathway, helping develop players and their careers is something I get a lot of satisfaction from.
What do you enjoy most about coaching on our football holidays?
The best part is the enjoyment that the kids get—it’s fun to be a part of that. Seeing how much fun they have takes my own enjoyment to a new level. I also appreciate coaching in such amazing locations, meeting new people, and seeing parents and families from all backgrounds. One of the unique aspects is occasionally coaching kids whose parents I know from earlier in my coaching career. It’s nice to reconnect, offer advice, and play a part in helping the next generation develop.
What’s your favourite drill or activity to do with the kids?
I love doing “Herman the German,” a three-team transitional possession game. One team tries to maintain possession and complete a certain number of passes before breaking a line and playing forward, while the defensive team looks to break up possession and take it to goal. It’s a great drill for developing quick thinking and teamwork.
What do you think makes Football Escapes stand out from other football coaching programs?
The overall experience that everyone has. There are a lot of football courses out there where kids turn up and kick a ball around. Football Escapes is different—not only do they meet their idols, but they also form friendships, and families build relationships. People create memories and connections that last a lifetime.
What advice would you give to young footballers who want to improve their game?
Listen to the coaches, take on board what they say, and work as hard as you can. As someone once told me, hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
What’s one thing you hope every child takes away from a Football Escapes holiday?
Inspiration. They’ve met their idols, received valuable advice, and hopefully taken inspiration from the entire process and the coaching they’ve received. Confidence is key, and it doesn’t matter if it’s their first time kicking a ball or if they’re already in an academy.
What’s the funniest thing a kid has ever said to you during a session?
I was doing a crossbar challenge against one of the kids—I failed, but they did it three times in a row. For the rest of the week, they mocked me with, “Are you sure you’re a football coach?”
If you could create a new football rule, what would it be?
Instead of a penalty, you can choose to have an American-style penalty where you have to score within 7 seconds from the halfway line.
Ever been nutmegged by a 5-year-old? Be honest!
Never, and never will… Many have tried!
What’s your go-to celebration move when a kid scores a cracking goal?
Suuuuuuuuuuuuu!
If you could swap places with any footballer for a day, who would it be and what would you do?
Mbappe, just to play at the Bernabéu.
If you could design a football kit in any colour or pattern, what would it look like?
Bright neon blue with little stripes on the sleeves. Short sleeve with “7 JB” on the back.
