Our coaches

Qualified coaches, focused on every player

At Goals Soccer School, we believe great coaching is about more than teaching children how to kick a football.

Our coaches work to create a safe, positive and encouraging environment where every player can enjoy their football, develop their skills and grow in confidence.

Our coaches hold appropriate FA/UEFA coaching qualifications and meet the safeguarding and DBS requirements appropriate to their role.

We follow The FA's approach to player development, including the FA Four Corner Model.

Most importantly, we recognise that every player is different.

We do our best to understand each child's individual needs, abilities and ambitions, helping them develop at their own pace and reach their potential — whatever level of football they aspire to play.

Developing the whole player

The FA Four Corner Model encourages coaches to consider a player's development across four connected areas:

• Technical & Tactical
• Psychological
• Physical
• Social

Rather than looking only at what a player can do with the ball, the model helps coaches consider the whole player.

Each area is connected, and development in one can influence development in the others.

⚽ Technical & Tactical

Developing football skills and helping players understand the game.

This can include:

• Passing and receiving
• Dribbling and ball control
• Shooting and finishing
• Movement on and off the ball
• Decision-making
• Positioning and awareness
• Understanding different situations within a game

Players are encouraged to practise their skills, make decisions and learn through playing the game.

🧠 Psychological

Helping players develop the confidence and mindset to learn, improve and enjoy their football.

This can include:

• Confidence
• Concentration
• Decision-making
• Resilience
• Learning from mistakes
• Trying new things
• Self-motivation

We want players to feel comfortable expressing themselves, making decisions and learning from both their successes and their mistakes.

🏃 Physical

Supporting the physical skills children need to participate in and enjoy football.

This can include:

• Agility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Speed
• Movement
• Physical literacy
• Football-related fitness

For younger players in particular, developing good fundamental movement skills provides an important foundation for their football development.

🤝 Social

Football is a team game, and learning how to interact positively with others is an important part of a player's development.

This can include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Respect
• Building relationships
• Independence
• Listening to others
• Managing emotions within a team environment

We encourage players to support their teammates, respect coaches and opponents, and understand the importance of being part of a team.

Every player develops differently

The Four Corner Model helps us remember that player development isn't just about performance on the pitch.

A child might be technically confident but need help communicating within a team. Another player might understand the game well but need encouragement to believe in their own ability.

That's why our coaches aim to support the individual rather than compare one child with another.

Our goal is to help players become more confident, capable and independent while making sure they continue to enjoy playing football.

A safe and positive environment

Player development and safeguarding go hand in hand.

We are committed to following The FA's safeguarding requirements and creating an environment where children feel safe, respected, supported and able to enjoy their football.

For more information about our safeguarding arrangements and how to report a concern, please see our:

Safeguarding