About M.R.F.A.

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 (Currently completing)
• 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

James has over 10 years of experience in coaching football. He is currently Lead Coach at Cambridge United FC for their under 11’s, haven’t previously spent 3 seasons at Leyton Orient FC, working 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.

• 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 now combines his role at M.R.F.A., as he works full-time as a P.E. Teacher for an Independent School in London

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

Ben is a new member of staff that joined our team in early 2020 as we continue our growth. Ben has a great deal of experience when it comes to playing having spent many years involved in non-league football, Ben has even managed Kings Langley who play in the Southern Premier League.

Most recently Ben has also started working for Colchester United as he works with both the U14 and U15 age groups. Another great addition to our team and already proving to be a favourite with the players!

• UEFA B Licensed currently working towards
• Level 2 coaching
• Futsal Level 1

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 Goalkeeping and has recently passed his UEFA B coaching.

• UEFA B Licensed
• Level 2 coaching
• Goalkeeping Level 1
• Goalkeeping Level 2
• UEFA B Goalkeeping

Sarah joined our team in September 2019, her passion for Girls Football was evident from the start. Since joining Sarah has launched our Girls Development Centre, which has been a huge success to date, with our girls now starting to play their own fixtures.

Alongside working at M.R.F.A., Sarah also coaches at West Ham Ladies, working in their youth set up.

• Level 2 coaching
• Level 1 coaching

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

Josh was a welcome addition to our team of coaches bringing a wealth of experience to our team. Having spent a number of years coaching in grassroots football, developing various community programmes. His great rapport with players makes him a favourite for the players.

Josh has also spent 2 seasons working for Leyton Orient FC working with players across the Foundation Phase.

Alongside this Josh is also the coach for an Essex Senior League team.

Qualifications:

• UEFA B Licensed (Currently completing
• FA Futsal Level 1
• FA Futsal Level 2
• 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