COACHING ACADEMY
Bringing coaching expertise from the top clubs from around the world
New partnership with Luton Town Community Trust
We would like to announce a new partnership with the Luton Town Community Trust. This partnership gives us the opportunity to bring groups of kids aged between 9 – 14 years for an amazing experience:
- Training sessions with Pro License Coaches.
- Attendance at a Premier League Game.
- Football Tournament with development sides in the Luton area.
- Personalised gifts over the weekend.
In addition, we will be inviting Luton Town Community Trust coached to Ireland to attend camps with local clubs both in the North & South.
Partnership with West Ham United Foundation
We have been working with the West Ham United Foundation for the last two years, with their coaches attending our camps and running sessions with over 2000 kids both in the North and south of Ireland.
We have been able to take groups to London to give kids an amazing experience visiting the West Ham United Academy at Chadwell Heath, Touring the London Stadium & playing against development sides.
UPCOMING EVENT : 📍United States
SB Coaching Academy Experience with Premier League Academy Coaches.
1.30pm
Tickets Out Now
Meet the coaches
Derek Duncan
Programme Manager at West Ham United FoundationMore about Coach Derek DuncanDerek Duncan currently holds the esteemed position of Programme Manager at West Ham United Foundation. In this role, he oversees the player pathway for both...read more
Derek Duncan
Programme Manager at West Ham United FoundationDerek Duncan currently holds the esteemed position of Programme Manager at West Ham United Foundation. In this role, he oversees the player pathway for both male and female athletes. The pathway consists of three tiers, including the latest pre-academy pathway. Derek’s responsibilities also extend to supporting international delivery and post-16 programs, showcasing his dedication to fostering talent and facilitating the holistic development of aspiring footballers.
Derek’s journey in football began at the age of 10 when he joined the Leyton Orient Academy. His dedication and talent led to him making his EFL debut at a remarkable age of 17. Over several seasons and notably contributing to a promotion season, Derek’s playing career took him to various clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon. His football journey extended to the top tiers of non-league football, where he achieved remarkable success, winning two promotions while representing teams such as Woking FC, Ebbsfleet United, and Maidenhead United.
Derek Duncan is not only a seasoned football professional but also a qualified coach. Currently holding a UEFA B license, he is actively pursuing his UEFA A license, emphasising his commitment to continuous learning and development within the football coaching realm. Derek’s blend of playing experience and coaching qualifications positions him as a valuable asset in guiding the next generation of football talent.
Beyond the football field, Derek Duncan finds joy in playing golf, However, his most cherished moments are spent creating memories with his family. Derek’s commitment to both his professional and personal life highlights his well-rounded approach to success and fulfillment.
Experience:
- Programme Manager at West Ham United Foundation
- Professional Honours at Leyton Orient Academy, Wycombe Wandered & AFC Wimbledon
- EUFA B License
Sam Taylor
Senior Programme ManagerMore about Coach Sam TaylorCurrent position & Coaching Roles
Senior Programme Manager – Player Pathway at West Ham United Foundation – Male and Female football...read more
Sam Taylor
Senior Programme ManagerCurrent position & Coaching Roles
Senior Programme Manager – Player Pathway at West Ham United Foundation – Male and Female football development programmes age 5-18 years old, Our player pathway tiers consist of Holiday Hammers , Technical Development Centres , Emerging Talen Centres, Performance Squads , West Ham Women’s Youth Team, and Post 16 Football Education programmes. Sam has also been an integral part of setting up and leading on West Ham United Foundations International delivery and partnerships – to date Sam has worked within the foundation for nearly 11 years.
Highlights of positions at WHU
U16 Women’s Youth Team Head coach – 2022-23
Mens Academy Coach – Foundation and Youth phase – 2012-2017
Lead coach on many international camps across the world
Prior to West Ham United Foundation Sam helped set up ‘The Glen Johnson Soccer School’ alongside ex team make Glen Johnson (West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool , England) where they delivered multi sports and football to local schools within Kent and under privileged children.
Playing Career
Sam played for West Ham Unted FC from age of 9-18 and was part of the record breaking FA Youth Cup winning side when West ham United beat Coventry 9-0. Sam played semi-professional football for 12 years for a number of clubs , Barking and East Ham United , Billericay Town FC , Bishops Stortford FC , Borehamwood FC , Concord Rangers FC.
Interests
Sam loves playing golf and travelling and most of all spending time with his 2 daughters.
Tom Stephens
Football Development OfficerMore about Coach Tom StephensI’m Tom Stephens, I’m a UEFA B license coach and a football development officer for Burnley FC in the community aswell as an academy coach...read more
Tom Stephens
Football Development OfficerI’m Tom Stephens, I’m a UEFA B license coach and a football development officer for Burnley FC in the community aswell as an academy coach for Bolton Wanderers, I’ve worked full time in football for the last 2 years and currently act as head of football at Accrington and Rossendale College as part of my day to day role with BFCitc. I have coached for over 10 years and across several countries and have worked with players aged 4 up to over 55’s and everything in between. I have held several roles in non league football with Barnoldswick Town including first team coach, under 23’s manager, assistant manager and interim first team manager. My passion comes from helping young players develop their love for the game and strive to be better versions of themselves.
Craig Durussel
West Ham United Inetrnational Programs Lead CoachMore about Coach Craig DurusselProfessional youth football coach who has worked closely with players of all ages and levels and
backgrounds within the Foundation and Youth phase over...read more
Craig Durussel
West Ham United Inetrnational Programs Lead CoachProfessional youth football coach who has worked closely with players of all ages and levels and
backgrounds within the Foundation and Youth phase over the past 15 years.Coaching experience working in USA, Belgium, Germany, Holland and N Ireland.
Previous professional clubs include Southend United and Colchester United Academy & West Ham
United Performance AcademyExperience:
- UEFA B Licence -- UEFA A Candidate
- FA Youth Modules 1,2,3
- FA Full Youth Award
- FA Level 2 Goalkeeping, Futsal, Talent ID
- League Manager Association – Creating a Culture of Excellence & Identifying Talent
- Professional Football Scouting Association Technical Analysis
- FA Emergency Aid - FA Safeguarding Children - DBS Certified
Andrew Griffiths
Academy Head of EducationMore about Coach Andrew GriffithsAcademy Football coach for over 10 years, previously working with Everton FC, Manchester City, Leyton Orient, Fleetwood Town and currently Watford FC.
Also worked internationally...read more
Andrew Griffiths
Academy Head of EducationAcademy Football coach for over 10 years, previously working with Everton FC, Manchester City, Leyton Orient, Fleetwood Town and currently Watford FC.
Also worked internationally across Scandinavia, Europe and Australia with Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC.
Experience:
- 2012-2014 Everton FC Academy U12 assistant coach - Academy Recruitment Officer
- 2014-2015 Liverpool FC - International Academy Coach (Scandinavia)
- 2015-2017 Leyton Orient FC College Tutor College u18 programme coach - Academy U12 coach
- 2017-2021 West Ham United FC Higher Education Manager - University Men’s 1st team assistant coach
- 2021-2022 Fleetwood Town FC Academy Head of Education - Academy Coach (experience with U11,U13,U15,U16 and U18 squads)
- 2022-2024 Watford FC Academy Head of Education - Academy Coach (experience with U8,U9,U10,U12,U14 squads)
Contact Us
Do you want to find out more about us, an event, or even make a general enquiry? Don’t hesitate to send us a message; we will get back to you ASAP.
