During my extensive coaching career spanning many levels, countries and continents I have gained an unparalleled wealth of experience and football knowledge. My own chance of a glittering professional playing career was curtailed at a very young age when I was released as a young development player. However, because of my love of the game I went on to play literally thousands of games at a high amateur and semi-professional level, winning many honours in county and tournament football.
Coaching origins
I coached my first football team at the age of 18 , having been nominated as player/coach for my former school team which remained together as a men’s team. It was recognised by former teachers and peers that I possessed all of the relevant leadership and organizational skills. I went on to complete many years of work in various roles in the game, in addition to playing and coaching and eventually running my own business and club. I began the coaching qualification process back in in 1986. Between then and now I have continued to work towards ever higher levels and maintained my CPD (Continued Professional Development) without fail, as my CV will testify.
My coaching career so far
Over the years, aside from being successful in the plethora of football roles in which I have worked, I have assisted in the development of many senior England women internationals such as former captain Casey Stoney and Enila Aluko, who also played professionally in the USA, as well as my wife Pauline Cope (Boanas) Hall of Fame member, and current record appearance holder Fara Williams, I also tutored Marianne Spacey England assistant coach Matt Beard head coach Liverpool ladies back to back WSL champions – recently moved to Boston Breakers in the US NWSL and many figures from the men’s game. Notable examples include Chris Powell – former head coach at Charlton Athletic and former PFA president; Dean Kiely – Premier league goalkeeper and now goalkeeping coach at Norwich City. Plus Sean Dyche head coach at Burnley FC , Leroy Lita, and Jason Euell, all of whom are still involved in playing or coaching in the English leagues. Overall, during my time with Charlton Athletic I helped develop around 24 senior & youth internationals in the women’s game. I have had three specialised ‘Fun Game’ manuals for grassroots youth development published. I was also head-hunted for the position of Assistant Academy Director at the David Beckham Academy in London, a position which I held for three years.
Keith will be writing a regular column for The Sussex Newspaper starting from next week.
