Gordon Strachan
Founder / Director
Gordon enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City. During that time, he won some of the most glittering prizes in the game, including the English Division One title (now the Premiership), the FA Cup, the Scottish Premier League and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Gordon also represented Scotland 50 times – appearing in two World Cups.
He has since managed Coventry City and Southampton in the Premier League and Celtic in the Champions League. Gordon was more recently the manager of his national team Scotland, which he described as a dream job and an absolute honour to lead his country for over five years.
George Mackie
Director / Academy Manager
George plied his trade for Dundee United, Partick Thistle and Odense of the Danish Premier League as a player before moving into coaching with Coventry City, Dundee United, Livingston and Arbroath.
George has attained the prestigious UEFA PRO License qualification – the highest honour in coaching.
George has achieved outstanding coaching success, guiding the Coventry City Youth team to two consecutive FA Youth Cup Finals against Arsenal and West Ham United.
Craig Strachan
Director
Craig is a UEFA A-qualified coach and is currently a UK and European senior scout for Celtic FC.
Craig is a former professional footballer at Coventry City and Scotland Youth International from U-17 to U-21. During this time, he played in two consecutive FA Youth Cup finals. Craig was forced into retirement at 21 due to a persistent back injury.
Craig was a golf professional for over ten years, bringing experience and knowledge of competing and coaching in professional sports.
Lewis Hudson
Assistant Academy Manager
Lewis is a former student at the Strachan Football Foundation and was interested in coaching before joining the foundation. His pathway has been two years as a student, a year as an apprentice and now a full-time coach. He has been coaching from a very young age.
Lewis is a UEFA A License coach.
Lewis has played for several semi-professional football clubs and is the captain of Hereford FC.
Harry Reilly
Head Of Education / Coach
Harry Reilly embodies the full progression pathway of the Strachan Football Foundation, rising from student to Head of Education and Lead Tutor. A former Coventry City academy player, Harry joined the Foundation at 16 years old, enrolling on the two-year BTEC programme before completing a third year as an apprentice. During this time, he gained valuable experience coaching in local schools and grassroots clubs, developing both his leadership skills and his passion for education.
With support from the Foundation, Harry secured a full scholarship in the United States, where he completed his degree in Sports Marketing. His time in America helped shape his academic and athletic development, preparing him for the next steps in his journey.
After graduating, Harry returned to the UK and re-joined the Strachan Football Foundation as a tutor. His commitment, professionalism and natural ability in the classroom quickly saw him progress into his current role as Head of Education and Lead Tutor, where he oversees the academic development of all students within the programme.
Alongside his educational role, Harry has continued his football career, representing Banbury United, Kettering Town, and currently Stratford Town. His ongoing involvement in semi-professional football further strengthens the real-world experience he brings to his students.
Harry is a role model for every aspiring student-athlete who walks through the doors of the Foundation. His journey shows exactly what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and the right support system. Every day, he upholds and implements the values, culture and standards that define the Strachan Football Foundation.
Shaun Watkins
Coach
Shaun Watkins is another outstanding example of the pathways and opportunities offered through the Strachan Football Foundation. A former student, Shaun completed the Foundation’s two-year education and football programme before progressing into the third-year PT qualification, where he continued to excel both academically and on the pitch.
During his time as a student, Shaun showcased exceptional leadership and coaching ability. He guided the Foundation’s U19 team to the National Youth League U19 Cup Final at Pride Park, a remarkable achievement that highlighted not only his tactical understanding but also his ability to inspire and organise young players.
Shaun is a highly talented coach with a natural ability to connect with students, helping them develop their footballing ability, confidence, and discipline. Alongside his coaching role, he continues to play semi-professionally for Highgate United, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining high performance standards in his own playing career.
Now a valued member of the Strachan Football Foundation staff team, Shaun stands as a role model for current students, an ex-student who has returned to give back, embodying the culture, values, and professionalism the Foundation is built upon. His journey continues to show students what can be achieved with dedication, work ethic, and the right support.
Will Harris
Tutor & Coach
Will Harris brings a wealth of experience, professionalism, and passion to the Strachan Football Foundation, a place where his own journey first began. A former Walsall academy player, Wil joined the Foundation at 16 after leaving school. He successfully completed the two-year education and football programme, before spending an additional year as an apprentice, coaching in local schools and grassroots clubs.
With guidance and support from the Foundation, Will secured a full scholarship in the United States, representing Indiana Tech and Southern Illinois University while earning a degree in Business Management and Marketing. His time in America allowed him to grow both academically and athletically, building the foundation for his future career.
Will returned to the UK in 2024 and re-joined the Strachan Football Foundation as a tutor, where he now plays a key role in mentoring students through their education and football development. Alongside his tutoring duties, he delivers coaching sessions and manages one of the Foundation’s Wednesday teams, helping young players progress both on and off the pitch.
In his playing career, Will has represented Redditch United and is currently playing for Rugby Town, continuing to compete at a high level while inspiring the next generation.
Will’s journey perfectly reflects the progression pathways available at the Strachan Football Foundation, from student, to apprentice, to university scholar, to staff member. He remains a role model for all students, demonstrating the values, standards, and culture that the Foundation is built upon.
Steve Ogrizovic
Goalkeeper Coach
Steve has been working with the foundation for the last four seasons.
In an illustrious goalkeeping career, he played 601 times for Coventry, becoming the Club’s record appearance maker, and was a vital part of the 1987 FA Cup win and City’s time in the top flight of English football.
During his time at Coventry, Steve took up various roles, including Academy Manager, Reserve Team Manager and Caretaker Manager, before he became Goalkeeping Coach in 2008
A true gentleman of the game and a privilege to have at the foundation.
Kevin Mcdonald
Coach
Kevin has a wealth of experience in professional football, upon leaving his managerial role at Swindon Town FC Kevin came into SFF for an 8 months period before moving onto Nottingham Forest FC as U21’s coach. Kevin’s career as a coach has seen him have two opportunities as caretaker manager for Aston Villa in the Premier League was assistant manager under Tim Sherwood in 2015. During his time at Aston Villa, Kevin was instrumental in the development of Aston Villa’s golden era, helping develop the careers of academy players Gabby Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry , Marc Albrighton , Gary Cahill and Darius Vassell, becoming first team regulars and international footballers.
Kevin’s playing career was just as impressive as his coaching CV he played in the highest level of English football for Liverpool , Leicester City and Coventry City.