Experience
UEFA A License
Worldwide Knowledge of the game
International recognition
Numerous individual and team awards
Playing career:
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Linfield FC, Derry City FC, Shamrock Rovers FC, Partick Thistle FC, Shamrock Rovers FC Return, Sacramento Republic FC, Ottawa Fury FC, Dundalk FC, Larne FC Northern Ireland International.
With over 18 years of professional soccer experience at international and club level and over 10 years experience in coaching, I am delighted to pass on my knowledge and help the next generation not only with their soccer skills, but to nurture their life skills.
I am fully committed to giving back to the game that I love and grew up with such a passion for. Playing and competing in soccer has given me so many highlights and a chance to work with unique people, including managers and players from all different backgrounds and abilities. I have been fortunate to travel to so many different countries, to play the game and have lived in six different countries for different teams, learning so much about soccer and life along the way.
My playing career has taught me valuable lessons and given me the opportunity to combine soccer and lifestyle by playing in six different countries. It provided a pathway to reach other teams and continue being successful both on and off the field. With playing for my national team I have competed in most European cities and learnt so much during the process. I have played with and against many great players, made great friends through soccer and also have met so many great fans along the way.
From the highs of a Championship Ring…
Success isn’t a given. Consistency alongside hard work will give you plenty of times to be in a position to compete and get your hands on silverware. When talent doesn’t work, hard work does. I have given myself chances to win time and time again. Sometimes I’ve fallen short and a lot of times I have come out with my hands in the air with silverware aloft. It is in these moments you realize how tough but valuable the journey is and how important staying grounded with good people around you will help elevate you and your career to continue the success.
…To the lows and challenge of recovery.
Adversity is something we will certainly face and true inner strength will show during these times. It is critical to have the mentality to adapt and overcome and that is one of the key strengths of mine. You should never get ahead of yourself within soccer. Take each game at a time is the best way. Unfortunately we are only ever one injury away from a career being over. Making ourselves fit and healthy will give us a better chance of overcoming an injury and lead to a stronger comeback.
Coaching
Soccer is a journey and it is one that has truly given me everything. From a small child falling in love with the game, to falling in love with coaching and giving back to develop the next generation, I am blessed to continue to be a part of the world’s best game.
Growing up soccer taught me the fundamentals of life and taught me things I didn’t learn in school or perhaps would have learned later on in life. Soccer gave me the head start I needed in order to perform to the best of my character and help my abilities excel, so I had a chance of succeeding in life. Growing up playing soccer in an environment that helps kids develop and learn, being a part of a team and enhance their character, discipline, concentration, teamwork, winning, losing, dealing with the ups and downs from an early age, understanding what is expected of you within a team, what being a selfless person means and what being a team really means, are just some of the keys to playing soccer at a young age. Most of these attributes have followed me through life and are engrained in me.
As a coach, I have worked with thousands of kids and adults helping them reach their potential and being able to compete and be consistent. Many of my clients or people I have worked with have reached out to me to thank me for the hours of coaching and mentoring I have instilled in them. Many have gone on to compete and represent their country or their city, but most valuable to me, are the ones that I have influenced to bring their qualities and disciplines taught in sport and demonstrating them in their everyday life.
I am extremely grateful and excited for my full reign in coaching and management and after an illustrious career I can purely focus on my coaching journey.