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 turning professional 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 many others who went on to become World Cup winners, European champions, Premier League winners, and Ballon d'Or recipients. One of his standout experiences was playing against Ronaldinho in an England vs. Brazil Youth international match at Wembley, watched by 50,000 fans.

Michael captained the Everton U18 team to victory in the 1998 FA Youth Cup and continued his leadership role as captain of the Everton Reserves. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short by injury, and he was released by Everton in 2001. He went on to play for clubs like Torquay United and Chester City, as well as several other lower league teams.

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 focused entirely on coaching, and after one year, Everton recognized his potential, offering 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 teams that frequently visited Finch Farm before big European matches.

He later became Head of Foundation Phase Coaching (ages 6–12), taking on significant responsibilities at a young age. During this time, he helped develop a number of talented players who went on to play for Everton’s first team and were later sold to other clubs, where they achieved success.

Over the next decade, Michael became one of the most qualified coaches in England, committing himself to ongoing coaching courses and gaining 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 to work at the highest levels of youth soccer. He joined FC Westchester, Cedar Stars Bergen, and coached a range of age groups in MLS NEXT. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he opened Soccer Fun Zone, a business that allowed him to explore a new dimension of coaching and player development.

After enjoying his experience as a business owner, Michael shifted his focus entirely to coaching. He now solely runs and owns 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 build SFC Academy into a premier institution for soccer development. There is no other coach in the Tristate area with his professional background experience and high level of coaching qualifications