Darren Holloway
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with expertise in football coaching and player development, complemented by strong leadership and team management skills. Proven track record in student recruitment, mentorship, and programme promotion, leveraging exceptional communication and organisational abilities. Experienced in tenure and bid applications, with a keen aptitude for interviewing. Committed to fostering growth and excellence within teams while pursuing opportunities to enhance programme visibility and impact.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head Coach - Football & Promotions
East Durham College
09.2014 - 02.2025
- Devised and spearheaded a one of a kind link/partnership with Hartlepool United FC
- Implemented a Scholarship Programme
- Created vital links with local schools, community clubs, SSP and local football clubs
- Driven, professional and personable which brought great levels of respect
- Designed and Implemented a Scheme of Work
- Brought valuable publicity to the college via TV and Radio interviews
- Introduced a Girls/Womens programme which is thriving
- Played an instrumental role in a link/partnership with Spennymoor Town FC
- Led a team of coaches to up skill, thrive and move on up the ladder
- Played an instrumental role in students next steps/pathways
- Integral in planning link/partnership with ex Premier League star Jermaine Defoe
- Long list of honours won in my time by our Football Academy, 5 league titles, 3 Cup Competitions, 1 Futsal Competition, 1 Small Sided Competition, 3 league runners up and 2 Cup runners up
- - To manage the delivery of Coaching to student athletes
- - Lead in the recruitment of students on a local, national and international basis
- - To promote the college/football programme and lead on the growth in student numbers
- - Act as college spokesman with Durham County FA and any other relevant organisations with regard to football activities, coach education and player development
- - To represent the college, attend meetings and network events as directed by the Vocational Manager
- - Work with Community Sport Development Officer to promote football in schools/clubs/community
- - Work with Marketing to develop strategies to improve interest in the college/football academy
- - Ensure all players receive regular testing/measuring of fitness and personal fitness programmes via liaison with Fitness Coach
- - Co-ordinate Assistant Coaches workloads and allocate responsibilities for team management, administration and development activities
- - To performance manage the Assistant Coaches
- - Give career advice and guidance (from a football perspective) for Football Development Centre students throughout their time at the College
- This should include the provision of lifestyle skills, sports medicine/science support and factors affecting performance
- - Ensure liaison with Personal Tutors and Academic Staff with regard to the student’s welfare/wellbeing and academic issues
- - Have pastoral responsibility for students
- - Assist with staff development with specific reference to coaches and assistant coach’s development
- - Liaise with local/regional football clubs and develop a network to assist student athletes in securing pathways for individual development and progression
- - Liaise with the Assistant Coach to ensure growth and promotion of the development centre by raising the profile of the centre and college
First Team Assistant Manager P/T
Darlington FC
07.2019 - 09.2023
- Won the league with Blyth Spartans, Evo Stick Premier Division Champions 2016/2017
- 12 Consecutive Games unbeaten 2016/2017
- Awarded Blyth Spartans AFC Chairman’s Award 2017
- Spearheaded drive for Community Involvement in the Football Club
- Created relationships/network with both Managers of Football Clubs & Player’s Agents
- 14 Consecutive Games unbeaten 2018/2019
- Led Darlington FC to the FA Cup 1st Round 2019 gaining national publicity and huge revenue
- Led Darlington FC to the FA Cup 2nd Round 2020
- Played a key role in implementing Darlington FC Academy combining education alongside football
- Led Darlington FC to FA Trophy Quarter Final in 2021
- Led Darlington FC to FA Trophy 4th Round in 2023
- Played a key role in developing players to be sold to professional clubs
- - Assisted the First Team Manager in developing team philosophy and strategies
- - Designed and executed training sessions
- - Identified players to fit club principles
- - Managed team selection, budget, and disciplinary matters
- - Coordinated pre-season fixtures and logistics
- - Represented the club at forums and AGMs
First Team Assistant Manager P/T
Blyth Spartans AFC
10.2016 - 07.2019
Sports Coach & Business Owner
School & Sports Cohesion
01.2012 - 06.2015
- Identifying and winning new business opportunities within a defined market sector
- Managed and was accountable for the integrated delivery of a single long term strategic plan for the company
- Ensured the achievement of a high standard of customer service to all clients
- Developed sales, pricing and marketing strategies to win new business
- Maximised profits through effective use of business KPI’s and a performance management process
- Built solid relationships with customers resulting in repeat business from 100% of schools
- Planned and executed local level marketing campaigns across various platforms
- Performed sales presentations to different potential funding partners
- Managed the development of less experienced members of staff
- Devised and introduced a referral scheme that encouraged and facilitated existing customers to bring in new customers
Education
undefined
05.1995
9
Nutrition & Health, Business & Finance
East Durham College, Kirby College
08.2018
UEFA B Diploma - Coaching
May 2012
Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football - undefined
May 2009
FA Learning Laws of the Game - undefined
April 2009
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Parkside Comprehensive
07.1993
Skills
- Football Coaching & Player Development
- Leadership & Team Management
- Student Recruitment & Mentorship
- Programme Promotion & Marketing
- Communication & Organizational Skills
- Experience in tenure and bid applications
- Interviewing
Certification
The FA Level 1 in Talent Identification June 2017 The FA Youth Award September 2016 The FA Coaching Futsal Level 1 July 2016 The FA Youth Award Module 2 April 2015 The FA Youth Award Module 1 July 2014.
References available upon request.
Timeline
First Team Assistant Manager P/T
Darlington FC
07.2019 - 09.2023
First Team Assistant Manager P/T
Blyth Spartans AFC
10.2016 - 07.2019
Head Coach - Football & Promotions
East Durham College
09.2014 - 02.2025
Sports Coach & Business Owner
School & Sports Cohesion
01.2012 - 06.2015
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UEFA B Diploma - Coaching
Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football - undefined
FA Learning Laws of the Game - undefined
undefined
Parkside Comprehensive
Nutrition & Health, Business & Finance
East Durham College, Kirby College
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