Barney Gillooly

In September 2025, I began covering academy sessions for Eastleigh FC on a consultancy basis. I typically deliver one session per week, with the age range varying depending on requirements. To date, I have coached players from U9 to U16 and have delivered over 30 sessions for the club. This role requires me to plan age- and ability-appropriate sessions at short notice and to deliver engaging, well-structured sessions, despite often being a new face to the players, who may not be used to the drills I deliver or my coaching style with these being academy sessions the drills need to be more challenging and suitable for a higher standard of players therefore showing my experience in delivering more challenging sessions that are less focused on enjoyment and more on progressing and developing the players sessions can vary from 60 to 90 minutes.

as well as this I have also delivered numerous after-school club sessions for Eastleigh in the Community across a wide range of primary schools within Southampton. I typically deliver two sessions per week, working with children aged 4–11.

This role requires me to adapt both the activities I deliver and my coaching approach to suit different ages and abilities. These sessions are usually one hour in duration

Full-day football camps often take place during half-term holidays or school breaks. During these camps, I am responsible for one of the four age groups, usually Year 4 (ages 8–9). However, I have also coached older age groups. Each camp typically involves around 15–20 players.

During these camps, I am required to organise, plan, and deliver specific skill-related technical sessions with drills relating to the topic, as well as arrange skill-based tournaments, such as penalty shootouts or crossbar challenges, to determine a daily winner. The camps vary in length; however, they most commonly run for three to four days, with coaching sessions taking place from 9:00am to 3:30pm.

The camps are focused purely on fun and enjoymentfor the players, which suits my enthusiastic and positive coaching style; however i need to alter the way i coach to suit this.i am still currently involved in the academy.

In the summer, I founded my own U8 grassroots football team under AFC Stoneham, working closely with the club chairman to recruit players. This role requires a high level of organisation, including arranging player kits, organising fixtures, communicating upcoming matches to parents, and completing match reports following games.

From a coaching perspective, my primary focus is on the development and improvement of the players, while also ensuring they enjoy playing football and remain motivated to train and compete for the team. The drills I design and the coaching points I deliver are tailored to support this development.

I also work closely with parents to ensure they are informed, supportive, and aligned with my long-term plan and objectives for their children. Since establishing the team, I have greatly enjoyed delivering training sessions on Wednesdays and coaching matches on Sundays. The players have shown significant improvement, and it has been highly rewarding to see their progress

Top Marks is a football coaching business set up by Andy Marks. Each week, I work alongside him to deliver small-group and position-specific training sessions. These sessions are one hour in duration, and I work with three different age groups within each session.

This role requires a high level of planning, as the drills must be carefully tailored to the specific positions and age groups of the players.i particularly like delivering these sessions as they are more technical and the smaller groups allow for each player to be more involved in the session

I am also an active football player, having represented Eastleigh FC from U16 through to U19 level, with opportunities to train with and be involved around the first team environment. In addition to academy football, I have experience playing men’s football for Alresford Town FC, Bishops Waltham Dynamos FC, and Romsey Town FC.

Competed in grassroots football for approximately five years in both Tyro League and Junior Premier League, developing competitive skills and teamwork.

Leveraged playing background to gain insights into player development pathways, shaping coaching approach and enhancing understanding of various game levels.