My daughter has been coached by Owen for 4 years now and has made huge improvements in her in many aspects. The sessions he delivers focus on many different skills and he has helped prepare her for trials with Tottenham and England. I have no doubt the sessions have contributed to her success. The difference I have seen throughout the years is just unbelievable and I would recommend him to anyone. Owen will always give advice before, throughout and after sessions on anything we ask.
Phoebe's Parents
Owen has coached me for many years and has hugely improved the level of my football, taking me from a grassroots team into a pro club academy. His sessions are always demanding but enjoyable and the feedback he gives helps me to improve all aspects of my game.
Charlie (Player)
Motivational, encouraging and an individual approach to every player.Neil challenges his players, on and off the pitch, providing pathways for development including parent/player feedback meetings. I cannot speak highly enough of the coaching that my son has received. It has been a pleasure watching, and continuing to watch, Will grow in confidence and develop as a well-rounded player under Neil’s experience and direction.
Jenny Pearce (Parent)
Neil provides excellent feedback during the Parent/Child meetings with a focus on challenging the player to grow in certain areas of their game. Training is innovative with focus on putting players in situations they will face in a match environment.
Chris Stokes (Parent)
Neil is a highly experienced football coach. His depth and wealth of coaching knowledge is evident in his approach and ability to develop young players. Neil’s coaching provides the boys with opportunities to understand their unique skills and role in a team. He teaches and explains thoroughly, and encourages the boys to talk about their understanding to develop their knowledge. Neil has a consistently calm and balanced style, always providing positive constructive feedback during coaching and matches that builds confidence and enables progression.
Helen Finlinson (Parent)
George's football skills and confidence on the pitch have grown significantly under Neil's coaching. This has helped develop his talent and enabled him to play football at a higher level, which he loves. Many thanks for your continued support.
Phil (Parent)
Football coaching from Neil Smye, is second to none. He offers professional level coaching, with unique sessions designed to teach and assist the trainee in understanding the deep concepts of the game, whilst focusing on their individual strengths. My son has been taught by numerous coaches and former professionals, but he's learnt more from Neil in 12 months than he did from all of his previous coaches put together! He's an encyclopaedia of football!!!
Craig (Parent)
My son has recently joined a Leiston FC EJA team coached by Neil. Prior to joining the team Neil discussed with us what areas he felt my son needed to work on and what his approach would be in helping him to develop in these areas. I can safely say that after four weeks of pre-season training and one game I can already see a difference in his play. He looks more comfortable on the ball when playing out from the back. My son always looks forward to Neil's training sessions. From my point of view they are intensive and well structured.
Mike (Parent)
Neil’s approach to developing/coaching Finley’s football has been energetic and enjoyable. He’s in constant communication with me to say what areas he thinks Finley needs to work on and also praise him in his strong areas. Neil’s been Finley’s coach/manager for Leiston for a year now and hopefully will continue to be for many more Top man, top coach, cheers Neil.
Lee (Parent)
Our daughter and sons have all benefited from 1-2-1 coaching with Owen. The level of coaching they receive is tailored to their own ability and needs which in turn has improved their game massively. It has also given them extra confidence on and off the pitch. Would highly recommend.
Mark and Hayley Bloss (Parents)
My son has been fortunate enough to have been coached by Owen on an individual and group basis. Owen’s sessions are always meticulously planned and expertly delivered. His input has without doubt allowed my son to move from grassroots football to academy level.
Jon Atkin (Parent)
Since Owen started coaching Hayden, he has improved in all aspects of his footballing knowledge and ability. Not only being coached when he has the ball but also out of possession too, creating a bigger picture for him on the pitch. I am really impressed with the coaching sessions and the material Hayden has been given to do at home to improve him further. The past season, he has gone from strength to strength in all aspects of football. Owen is a brilliant coach and I would highly recommend.
Alison Baker (Parent)
Owen has coached my son for the past 5 years. He has developed him as a player on and off the pitch…the results speak for themselves… he’s now a county player who has also had trials with a pro club which was set up by Owen. I can’t speak more highly of Owen and his coaching techniques.
Steve Jordan (Parent)
I have known Owen for 11 years and he has always demonstrated a commitment and dedication to youth football development. I am continuously impressed with his professionalism and focus on players development rather than just winning games. He provides my son with challenging opportunities to test, improve and become the best version of himself whilst boosting his confidence. I have watched my son’s ability, confidence and fitness grow so much and would recommend these sessions to any child committed to improving their game.
Jon Griggs (Parent)
As quite a later starter as a GK, Jack progressed at rapid pace whilst under Neil's coaching, support and guidance. Neil invested a lot of time in developing Jack, providing a platform of learning that was extremely professional - something I would say separates Neil from other coaches at grassroots level. As a parent, Neil made me feel welcome from the start and was always open in sharing any feedback; either positive or learning points - but always constructive and with Jack's best interests at the core.
Jack spent a relatively short time with Neil, but due to the high level of coaching provided, Neil quickly supported Jack by providing opportunities to showcase what he had learned. This resulted in a trial at a pro-club where Jack was successful in securing a contract.
Kieren (Parent)
Over the past year that Owen has coached me, I feel I have developed as a player on and off the pitch. Owen always has planned training sessions and home training plans too for during the off season. He has always encouraged me and been positive with coaching me and other players in the sessions.
Hayden (Player)
I really enjoy the 1 to 1 and group sessions with Owen. He varies the drills and I enjoy the high intensity that he sets. I feel I have improved in many areas of my game thanks to Owen’s training and support.
Ollie (Player)
Through taking part in Owen’s training sessions, I have seen so much development. He has put in so much extra work for me as an individual and for other players during sessions. He’s set up programs for me to work on at home which have helped me progress so much over the past few years. I also take part in his 1-2-1 sessions where the drills we do are very effective and are suited to my weaknesses which have helped me to become the player I am today.
Billy (Player)
I felt confident as soon as I took part in my first training session/trial with Neil's team. Over time I was always pushed to improve and adapt to what is expected of a top GK. I learned many new skills such as supporting play, using my feet and reading the game better. When I went on my pro trial I was then able to play the same way as I did at grassroots and feel confident. I know I wouldn't have been able to do that without the coaching Neil gave me. I also really enjoyed the training sessions and games, and never wanted to miss any sessions that Neil delivered.
Jack (Player)