About Us
Who we are
Stamford Football Academy, founded in 2023 by Michael O’Brien, is a growing club committed to excellence—driven by our motto, “Nothing but the Best Is Good Enough.” We focus on developing skilled, confident, and well-rounded players in a nurturing yet challenging environment. Our primary goal is to teach strong technical ability and develop it into real skill as players progress through the club.
Training takes place three times a week, 11 months a year, maximizing ball contact and consistency. Players compete in the WYSL league (Fall and Spring), the Chelsea Piers Winter League, and various Summer Select tournaments to gain valuable match experience and develop under pressure.
Beyond technique, we build tactical awareness, leadership, and resilience—shaping players who excel both on and off the pitch.
about michael
Michael is a U.S. citizen and former professional soccer player and coach from England. He began his journey at Everton FC at age 8, representing the club at every youth level and signing his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.
During his youth career, Michael had the privilege of playing for England at the U15 and U16 international levels. He grew up competing with and against some of football’s most iconic players, including Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, and others who went on to become World Cup winners, European champions, Premier League champions, and Ballon d’Or recipients. One of his standout experiences was playing against Ronaldinho in an England vs. Brazil youth international match at Wembley, in front of 50,000 fans.
Michael captained the Everton U18 team to victory in the 1998 FA Youth Cup and continued his leadership as captain of the Everton Reserves. Unfortunately, his professional playing career was cut short by injury, and he was released by Everton in 2001. He went on to play for Torquay United, Chester City, and several other lower-league clubs.
From a young age, Michael understood that his future lay in coaching. After a series of challenging experiences in the lower leagues, he decided to retire at just 23. He then dedicated himself fully to coaching, and within a year, Everton recognized his potential and offered him his first full-time coaching role at the age of 24.
Michael started as a skills coach, working with technically gifted players of all ages in the academy. He was mentored by some of the most experienced coaches in the world and had the opportunity to observe elite European teams that visited Finch Farm before major matches.
He later became Head of Foundation Phase Coaching (ages 6–12), taking on significant responsibility at a young age. During this time, he helped develop a number of talented players who advanced to Everton’s first team and were later sold to other clubs, where they continued to achieve success.
Over the next decade, Michael became one of the most qualified coaches in England, committing himself to ongoing professional development and gaining extensive expertise in player development. He holds some of the most prestigious coaching qualifications from the FA, UEFA, and USSF.
Eleven years ago, Michael moved to the United States, where he continued working at the highest levels of youth soccer. He coached with FC Westchester, Cedar Stars Bergen, and worked with a range of age groups in MLS NEXT. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he opened Soccer Fun Zone, allowing him to explore new avenues in coaching and player development.
After enjoying his experience as a business owner, Michael shifted his focus entirely back to coaching. He now owns and operates SFC Academy CT, where he is dedicated to helping players of all ages reach their full potential.
With a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for the game, Michael aims to develop SFC Academy into a premier institution for soccer development. There is no coach in the Tri-State area with his unique combination of professional background, experience, and high-level coaching qualifications.