Testimonials
Discover real success stories and testimonials from our former student-athletes, parents, coaches, and voices from the football world. All sharing how the Foundation has made a lasting difference.
Jordan Ponticelli
Former Student
Lewis Hudson
Former Student / Assistant Academy Manager
Lee Carsley
England u21 Manager
The Strachan Foundation is an integral part of my coaching and preparation to coach at a high level. The environment and culture at the foundation is a player-centred experience which puts player development on and off the pitch first.’
Sam Collins
Former Student
“I enjoyed football before joining the Strachan Football Foundation, but my two years there opened doors I never imagined. I earned the grades I needed to go to university, and with George’s guidance, I discovered a passion for match reporting, filming games and interviewing players. I was able to do all of this at the Foundation alongside my training and studies, which helped shape my future. I went on to Derby University to study Sports Journalism, loved every moment, and graduated proudly. Thank you to George and all the guys. I can’t recommend SFF enough. The personal care and support they show every student is truly amazing.”
Harry Reilly
Ex Student - Head of Education
John Eustace
Derby County Manager
Strachan Football Foundation has been a real help to my coaching development , their coaches have years of experience and have a great reputation in developing players. The facilities they have are equal if not better than most lower league professional clubs. In my experience Strachan Football Foundation will provide a great platform to develop a career in the game, I look forward to seeing how the current group of players develop and would surprised not to see one or two make a career in the professional game.
Parent
Parent
“Strachan Football Foundation gave my son a fantastic further-education pathway. He absolutely loved his time there, and the support, guidance and knowledge from all the staff were incredible. Before joining SFF, university wasn’t even on his radar, but thanks to their encouragement and development, he’s now studying at university and thriving. I would highly recommend the Foundation to any parent or student looking for a positive, inspiring next step.”
Archie Crowther
Ex Student
Gary Breen
Ex Coventry & Rep of Ireland
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SFF, it gave me the opportunity of coaching on a daily basis working with talented players and gave me valuable time on the field coaching in order for me to complete the UEFA A Licence. The coaching staff are experienced and have great knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. Outside of the professional game I cannot see there being any better programme than Strachan Football Foundation, their training ground and facilities are superb and the effort the coaching staff go to in supporting their players is something which would benefit any footballer
Will Harris
Ex Student - Tutor & Coach
I attended a trial day at the Strachan Football Foundation in 2016. That decision became a turning point in my development both as a player and as a person. I spent the next two years completing my BTEC programme, followed by a third year as an apprentice.
During my time at the Foundation, I was fortunate to experience an exceptional level of coaching and opportunities. I had the chance to play against high-level opposition, including the Nike Academy, Nike Japan, Bristol Rovers, Birmingham City FC, Leicester City, Peterborough, Southend United , Morecambe, Coventry City, Hibernian, Falkirk and Wolves. I also took part in multiple trips to St George’s Park and was even involved in the introduction of VAR into the Football League. In my third year, I earned a trial at Oxford United, which was another invaluable experience in my development.
Strachan Football Foundation helped shape me into the player I am today and played a key role in securing my scholarship in the USA, where I went on to spend five years. I’m incredibly grateful for everything the staff and the programme did for me, on and off the pitch
Farroq
Student
“I joined the Foundation as a keen young goalkeeper. I loved football and knew I wanted to continue my education, with the hope of going to university one day, but I had no idea what I wanted to study. From the moment I arrived, the staff at the Foundation were unbelievable. I had brilliant goalkeeper training with Steve, I enjoyed the education side, and I always felt supported both on and off the pitch.
During my time there, I started speaking with George and the staff about what I enjoyed outside of football. I had taken a few photos on my phone during training, and what began as something fun quickly turned into real guidance and direction. With their encouragement, I got a proper camera and began taking photos at training and matches. George pushed me to challenge myself, suggesting I try photographing semi-pro games, and even arranged opportunities for me to take official match photos at professional U21 fixtures.
I absolutely fell in love with the process. By the end of my two years at the Foundation, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I am now enrolled at Coventry University studying Photography, specialising in sports photography. Thanks to the Foundation’s support and their network of contacts, I am still travelling to professional clubs and taking official photographs for their media teams.
I can’t thank the Foundation enough. It’s an amazing community, and I simply wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now without them.”
Shaun Watkins
Ex Student - Coach
Parent
Parent
“Both of my sons attended Strachan Football Foundation, and I cannot thank the coaches and tutors enough for everything they did. They had an amazing experience from start to finish, and the support they received helped shape their futures, one is now coaching full time and the other is studying at university. I would highly recommend SFF to any family.”
Parent
Parent
“Our son loved his time at the Strachan Football Foundation and still regularly returns to see the coaches and George. He is now working full time in engineering and thriving. The foundation taught him valuable life skills and prepared him brilliantly for the world of work. Thank you, SFF.”
Chay Thompson
Coach - WBA u18 Manager