Meet the Coach 

Who I am

I'm coach Mark, the founder and head coach of Braveheart Ballers. I have spent years coaching in grassroots football, working with children of all confidence levels, abilities and backgrounds. 

What i have saw and what i learned has shaped everything this programmes stands for.  

I created Braveheart Ballers because every child deserves:

• Patience 

• encouragement 

• fairness

• To feel part of something and belonging  

This isn't just coaching for me, its a purpose. 

My Coaching Approach 

I focus on:

•  Building confidence 

• Developing Bravery 

• Creating a safe, supportive environment 

• Teaching kids to express themselves, be brave on the ball and play with a freedom to create 

• I focus on an education, I break down a session, movement, skill, technique, phase of play and I ask the child like a pop quiz. Its only a successful session if the kids understand the purpose of the task asked of them. 

• Football is only a tool, confidence is the outcome. With confidence, the rest is easy. Football is 90% mindset 10% talent. 

Experience & Background 

• Played at boys club,  pro youth and for regional team. A road accident curtailed my career and I lost passion for playing again after 18 months rehabilitation, so coaching became my calling and honestly, I wouldn't change it if ever given the chance again.

• Grassroots coaching currently with Dean Thistle supporting around 30 kids

• Experience with mixed ability cohorts from development to pro youth

• Coached in the community with Kilmarnock FC including the Mini Kickers and night leagues 

• Strong safeguarding practice 

• Community engagement and youth development 

• Founder of Braveheart Ballers 

• Proudly part of the Sported Network 

Why I do this 

I have personally been part of the circus which is youth football and know first hand how rejection can impact children if they are not to a standard or criteria and it can be devastating. 

 I have also saw though, what the right environment can do for a child. I have seen kids written off who have became leaders under the right guidance.

I know football can change lives, it can prevent anti social behaviour, it can help support physical and emotional wellbeing and for a little while, out on the pitch, you forget all your problems and your mind is clear. If I can give that feeling to children who may need it, then this is why I do what I do.

I have created Braveheart Ballers to give every child that chance. 

My promise to parents 

Your kids will always be:

• Safe

• Supported

• Encouraged 

• Included

• Treated with Respect 

• They will always be coached with patience, positivity and purpose