About the Michael Richardson Football Academy

Michael is vastly experienced in both coaching and playing football, having played professionally, and been involved in professional football, since the age of eight, where he started out at Ipswich FC and finished at Leyton Orient FC.

Michael has always been passionate about football and teaching children. He coached Leyton Orient’s U11’s for three years and his passion is to help aspiring players achieve their dream. Having previously been in the same position as M.R.F.A.’s players, Michael fully understands how important having the right coaching is and having a good support team. Most recently Michael has taken up the role of working with Colchester United’s U14s.

Michael also works with the FA as an affiliate Tutor where he delivers the Level 1 & Level 2 in coaching football amid his passion to develop the grassroots game.

Qualifications:

• UEFA A Prep Course
• UEFA A (Application awaiting)
• UEFA B Licensed
• FA Futsal Level 1
• FA Futsal Level 2
• UEFA B Futsal (currently working towards)
• FA Youth Award
• FA Youth Module 1, 2 & 3
• Level 2 coaching
• Level 3 in Supporting and Delivery of Physical Education
• FA Level 3 in Education and Training

Liam is hugely experienced with a vast array of coaching across many different areas. Liam decided to become an Ambassador for M.R.F.A. once he saw the quality work that was provided by our organisation.

Liam is currently working for Barnet FC as their Lead Foundation Phase coach, which sees him look after the players from ages U7-U12. Liam has previously worked for Leyton Orient FC as well as working in the US coaching for colleges.

• UEFA A (In progress)
• UEFA B Licensed
• FA Advanced Youth Award (5-11)
• FA Youth Award
• FA Youth Module 1, 2 & 3
• Level 2 coaching
• Level 1 coaching

James has over 10 years of experience in coaching football. He is currently Lead Coach at Leyton Orient FC for their under 11’s and in the foundation phase. He has also spent 18 months in America coaching various age groups on the East coast.

James has always had a keen interest in football and has a real passion for coaching. His experience with different age groups and in various environments has allowed him to develop sessions which combine overall enjoyment with learning.

Qualifications:

• UEFA A Licence (application pending)
• UEFA B Licence
• NSCAA National Licence
• FA Level 2
• FA Level 1
• USSF F Licence
• 2:1 degree in Sports Coaching Science

Matt joined M.R.F.A. in early 2019 and became our Head Goalkeeping coach, with Matt’s playing and coaching experience he was going to be a vital addition to the team.

Matt has a great depth of knowledge for the game and puts this into each of his sessions. Matt and his goalkeepers are a very close-knit group (goalkeepers union), with each goalkeeper singing his praises about the quality of his sessions.

• UEFA B Licensed (application in progress)
• FA Futsal Level 1
• FA Youth Module 1 & 2
• Level 2 coaching
• Level 1 coaching
• Level 2 goalkeeping
• Level 1 goalkeeping
• Level 3 in Supporting and Delivery of Physical Education

Sam joined the M.R.F.A. coaching team after been offered an apprenticeship within the company due to his qualities shown during his time as a player within the Academy.

Sam is currently working alongside senior members of staff on a daily basis whilst gaining a qualification in the delivering of school sport and P.E., Sam has also worked very closely with our goalkeeping coach and is working with our younger goalkeepers.

• Level 1 football
• Level 2 fooball (in progress)
• Level 3 in Supporting and Delivery of Physical Education (in progress)

Sam has always had a great passion for football and coaching. Growing up, Sam played for the semi-professional team, Chelmsford City, as a goalkeeper. Sam quickly discovered his passion for coaching from a young age and he spent a year coaching in private schools.

Subsequently, Sam has gone on to do coaching for ISFA who have seen players such as Frank Lampard, Fraser Forster and Victor Moses play for them. Sam also spent time working at Reading FC learning from some of the Academy coaches.

Sam has also spent the last 2 seasons as first team coach at Essex Olympian’s, Springfield FC.

Qualifications:

• UEFA B
• FA Youth Module 1, 2 & 3
• Developing the Developers
• FA Futsal Level 1
• 2;1 degree in Sports Science
• Level 2 coaching

Pete joined our team of coaches back in November after wanting to further pursue his coaching career. Pete growing up played at Tottenham Hostpurs in their Academy with the likes of Harry Kane & Tom Carroll trying to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Mark.

Having spent time shadowing with coaches at Tottenham Academy, Pete has been a great addition to our team working across our Development Centre, Futsal Academy & Academy groups.

• Level 1 coaching
• Level 2 coaching (in progress)
• UEFA B coaching (application in progress)

Luke is another new member of staff that joined our team in early 2019 as we continue our growth. The former Tottenham, Cardiff and Carlise goalkeeper was a product of the Nike Academy where he trained before taking steps into the professional game.

Luke has decided to combine his playing alongside a coaching career and is currently working towards his UEFA B coaching.

• UEFA B (in progress)
• Level 2 coaching
• Goalkeeping Level 1
• Goalkeeping Level 2 (in progress)

Jake joined M.R.F.A. after wanting to get involved on the coaching side. Jake still plays in the National Futsal league competing against some of the top players around Europe.

Jake has invaluable knowledge about the game of Futsal and we’re delighted to have him as part of our team. Jake has also spent time working with Braintree Town’s first team.

• FA Youth Module 1
• FA Futsal Level 1
• Level 2 coaching
• Level 1 coaching

Josh is a fantastic addition to our coaching team, Josh has previously worked with professional clubs and brings a wealth of experience. Having worked across all age groups from 9-16 he shows a great quality to adapt to the group he is working with.

Josh previously played at both Leyton Orient and Peterborough as an Academy player before moving into the coaching world.

• UEFA A (Application awaiting)
• UEFA B Licensed
• FA Youth Award
• FA Youth Module 1, 2 & 3
• Level 2 coaching

Luke joined M.R.F.A. in April 2019 coming to add to our team of coaches, Luke will be adding his knowledge to our younger players across both our Development Centres and Futsal Centres.

• FA Youth Module 1 & 2
• Level 2 coaching
• Level 1 coaching

Matt joined M.R.F.A. in March 2019 to continue the development of his coaching. Matt joins us with a wealth of knowledge having spent time playing at a number of clubs; Tottenham Hotspurs, Braintree Town, Cambridge City

We’re delighted to have Matt as part of our team and he’s excited to pass on his knowledge to our players across the Academy, Matt will be working across our Development Centres and Academy.

• Level 1 coaching
• Level 2 coaching (in progress)

Nicole is currently studying Sports Coaching at college and got involved with our team to learn and develop her skills set by shadowing our coaches.

Callum is currently studying Sports Coaching at college and got involved with our team to learn and develop her skills set by shadowing our coaches.