Profiles

Catherine Fitzpatrick
I'm one of the Academy Directors here at Evolution and I couldn't be happier with the response we have been getting. Evolution was a joint venture of myself and David's just over a year and a half ago. We wanted to
create a football school that teaches the children not only how to play football, but why, when and where they do things, allowing for greater understanding.

Prior to the start of Evolution I taught PE at Bexley Grammar School. Because of my teaching background, it allows me and therefore Evolution, to understand exactly what the schools need and so far we've been able to provide a first class service. Happy schools, parents and happy children. We hope we can continue to grow, providing the same level of coaching and satisfaction

David Etherington
I am one of the Academy Directors and football is my passion. I hold an FA Level 2 coaching badge and at the moment, it is being used to its fullest.

As well as my coaching capacity for Evolution, I also manage and coach Dartford Ladies. To add to this, I am manager and player of Eltham Town FC, a men's team. So, as you can see, football makes up a large part of my life. But nothing is more rewarding than coaching at Evolution, seeing the enjoyment the children get is so rewarding.

Grant Hassan
My name is Grant Hassan and I have my Level 1 and Level 2 Football Coaching qualification. I have been coaching for the last five years and manage an under 10's football team. I also co-run a Saturday soccer club and coach six days a week. I am a family man married with two boys aged thirteen and ten. I support West Ham United and I am a member of the Kent Coaches Association.

Sean Kerney
I’m 17 years old and have been a FA qualified coach for nearly a year. I have been coaching since the age of 14, with children in the community and with younger year children in my school. The greatest aspect of coaching, and the most rewarding to me the coach, is most of the children look forward to the session from the minute they finish the last one. This tells you that you’re doing a good job.

Apart from football coaching, I also coach cricket and multi-skills workshops to children aged 6-16. Gaining qualifications in football, cricket and multi-skills coaching has spurred my interest in sport and, to some extent, improved my own performance when participating.

Carl Baker
My name is Carl Baker and I have been coaching for Evolution Football Academy for about a year. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching with Evolution, the schools I work with have both boys and girls who are keen to learn. Coaching comes quite naturally to me because when I was young, I loved playing football and learning. I have played football since I was 4 years old, right up to the present day. The highest standard of football I have played was when I played for the Charlton Academy for 2 years. There, I learned that practice makes perfect!

I am currently studying at the University of Greenwich and am in my first year studying Sport and Exercise Science with Football Coaching. I have already obtained my FA Coaching Level 1 and am now studying FA Level 2. In the future I hope to be a full time football coach for a professional football team either in England or America.

Alex McGookin
My name’s Alex and I am 19. I have been coaching for over a year now and I love every minute of it. I am FA qualified and I am currently sitting my level 2. I used to play for Bexley District and also for Crayford Arrows and Aldershot Town FC. Things I love about coaching are putting a smile on the youngsters’ faces. It reminds me of when I was that age! My aim when coaching is to make the session as fun and enjoyable as I can, but also to make ALL the children I coach improve. My interests are football, fishing and socialising with friends.

Hannah McNamara
I've been working for Evolution Football for over a year now. The main reason I became a coach was to be a part of improving each childs football skills; at the Academy we do this within a safe, fun and friendly environment. The best part of coaching is seeing a child acknowledge their own progression.

Tom Haslan I’ve been coaching for nearly a year at St Joseph’s and St Peter Chanel. I am a level 1 coach. I enjoy interacting with the children and fellow staff. I find it very rewarding to coach and see the improvement the children make with each session.

Yahiaoui Abdel Halim There is nothing more I enjoy than coaching football. I enjoy all aspects; coaching, management, the technical side and the psychological. I believe that all children have the potential to achieve something, given the right coaching.

Amy Mortlock I am 19 and have been coaching since I was 16. I play for my University team and I am FA qualified. I am hoping to do my Level 2 in the summer. I am also a qualified referee. I am currently studying a PE & Sport degree and plan to become a PE teacher. I enjoy coaching football and other sports as I like passing on my knowledge to others and learning from others. It is very rewarding to see players enjoying their football and improving.

Chris Page I am more commonly known as ‘Pagey’, and I am a qualified F.A. Level One coach. I have recently attended one-day courses on coaching Futsal and coaching disabled footballers, and will shortly be working towards achievement on the F.A. Level Two certificate. Besides coaching at two local Primary Schools, I also coach a group every Tuesday in Dartford Ladies F.C.’s community project at Princes Park. I played for Dartford & District under 11’s while at Primary School, and attended a trial for the County squad. Outside of Schools’ Football, I have played for several Sunday morning teams across Kent, have attended advanced training centres for Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic, and had a trial for Millwall. I currently play for Sevenoaks Town F.C. under 18’s in the Central Division of the Kent Youth League, and represent Evolution Football Academy in a weekly five-a-side competition.

Vicky Bull I am a 20 years old sports student studying at the University of Chichester. I have the FA level 1 certificate in coaching football and after much experience coaching at different levels and spending 3 months in the USA coaching I am hoping to soon complete my level 2 certificate. As a coach, it is always exciting to see any player develop and get enjoyment from learning new skills.

Steve Turner I am 17 and have been a qualified coach for 2 months now. I have always wanted to be involved in football so I thought, why not try and be a coach? I love football and I’m quite a player as well. I have already achieved my Level 1 certificate and will be attending my Level 2 in the near future. I also have the ability to coach disabled players. I enjoy all sports, especially football and intend to be involved with football throughout the rest of my life.

Olawale Kalejaiye My name is Wale, I am 16 years old and have recently completed my Level 1 FA coaching certificate. I am a lively, outgoing coach who is an active football player. I currently play for Long Lane Football Club.

Laura Donnelly Hi, I am 20 years old and currently studying Sports Science with Professional Football Coaching at the University of Greenwich. I have been playing football for about 14 years and spent 5 years playing for Charlton Athletic. I hold the FA Level 1 coaching certificate and for the past year I have been coaching part time for Evolution Football Academy. While at university I will be studying for my FA level 2 and FA level 3 coaching certificates. Coaching gives me the opportunity to pass on what I have learnt on these courses to younger children, and hopefully improve their performance and boost their enjoyment of the game.