Darren Mace
Hitchin,Hertfordshire
Summary
Accomplished UEFA B Goalkeeping and Outfield Coach with extensive expertise in player development through the FA's four corner process. Holds multiple football coaching qualifications, as well as talent identification FA Level 1 and 2.
Committed to promoting tactical awareness and mental motivation techniques, while fostering professional relationships with parents to support young players' progression. Strong observation skills and a member of the Licensed Coaches Club / FACA, dedicated to identifying and nurturing talent. Career goals include advancing coaching methodologies to enhance player performance and development.
Driven professional with strong dedication to developing young talents in football. Possesses excellent leadership and communication skills, coupled with deep understanding of team dynamics. Committed to fostering player growth and creating positive, inclusive environment for all participants.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Youth football
Sevenoaks town FC
Sevenoaks, Kent
01.2020 - 04.2025
- Managed recruitment and performance oversight for elite teams competing in Kent Youth League.
Developed structures that improved player progression and visibility.
Achieved multiple player signings at Pro Academy level through effective scouting.
Fostered collaboration with first team manager to integrate homegrown players into senior squad. - Developed comprehensive training programmes for youth players to enhance skills and teamwork.
- Mentored coaching staff to ensure adherence to best practices in player development and safety.
- Implemented strategies to promote player engagement and retention within youth football programmes.
- Organised community outreach initiatives to foster local interest and participation in youth football.
- Evaluated player performance and provided constructive feedback to facilitate individual growth.
- Coordinated competitive fixtures and tournaments to provide players with valuable match experience.
1st team goalkeeping coach
Tonbridge Angels
Tonbridge, Kent
01.2022 - 01.2024
- My number 1 GK was voted into the national league south team of the 1st half of the season 2022/23
- Developed tailored training programmes to enhance goalkeeping skills and techniques.
- Conducted regular performance assessments to identify areas for improvement in players.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to create comprehensive strategies for match preparation.
- Organised goalkeeping sessions focused on tactical awareness and decision-making skills.
- Implemented video analysis sessions to review individual performances and provide feedback.
- Coordinated goalkeeping drills that emphasised agility, reaction time, and positioning.
- Adjusted coaching style according to changing needs of the team, maximising adaptability and flexibility.
- Strengthened trust within the team by promoting transparency and openness in communication.
Reserve team manager
Sevenoaks Town FC
Sevenoaks, Kent
01.2018 - 01.2020
- At the start of 2018/19 season I was promoted to reserve team manager at Sevenoaks Town FC, taking through my young U18 side on their first steps into senior football, playing in the suburban south football league. I continued with my remit of producing players for our 1st team(4 over the 1.5 seasons ) but as well that we manage to secure promotion into the suburban premier league in our 1st season at senior level.
- Managed training sessions and developed tactical strategies to enhance player performance.
- Coordinated match day operations ensuring seamless execution of team logistics and player readiness.
- Mentored emerging talent providing guidance on skill development and professional conduct.
- Collaborated with coaching staff to analyse player performance and implement improvement plans.
- Oversaw recruitment processes identifying and evaluating potential players to strengthen team dynamics.
- Evaluated team progress through regular assessments and adapted training programmes accordingly.
- Led strategic discussions on club objectives ensuring alignment with long-term vision and goals.
U18 Manager
Sevenoaks Town FC
Sevenoaks, Kent
01.2016 - 01.2018
- The chairperson of Sevenoaks Town FC approached me to reconstruct their Kent Youth League Premier division squad. I was responsible for rebuilding their team due to their u16’s from previous season leaving to join different academies. I set about recruiting via my contacts in the game, word of mouth, social media, and football trial days. In the 2017/18 season, after a stage of development for the squad, we managed to win the u18 Kent Youth League premier Division North which was a great achievement for the boys and the club – this was also a double celebration as the day before our senior side got promoted to the Isthmian football league which was the highest league in clubs history. Four of my u18’s made their senior league debut in this season.
- Developed training programmes to enhance players' skills and teamwork.
- Coordinated match schedules and ensured compliance with league regulations.
- Mentored coaching staff to improve engagement and performance of young athletes.
- Organised team events and community outreach initiatives to promote club involvement.
- Evaluated player performance and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Facilitated communication between parents, players, and coaching staff for transparent operations.
- Implemented health and safety protocols to ensure wellbeing of all participants.
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team-building activities.
Senior Ladies GK Coach
Charlton RTC
New Eltham, Greenwich
01.2016 - 01.2018
- During my time with Charlton ladies I was responsible for the recruitment and coaching of their RTC (Regional Talent Centre) GK’s from u10’s to u16’s. Two of the GK’s I recruited and coached won player of the year, and another 2 won most improved player at the club’s end of season awards. I was also responsible for coaching their seniors GKS, therefore along with their sport science department we put together a training plan to help these GK’s develop and improve to be the best they could be. I was truly fortunate to be given the chance to work with Katie Startup, who at the time was an England u17 international and we had on loan from Chelsea ladies. Since I started coaching and mentoring Katie she has since gone on to make her debut for the England u19’s. Katie is defiantly one to watch for the future.
- Developed training programmes that enhanced goalkeeping skills and tactical understanding of players.
- Conducted performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and establish personalised development plans.
- Organised competitive training sessions that simulated match scenarios and prepared players for high-pressure situations.
- Evaluated player progress through regular assessments and provided constructive feedback to encourage growth.
- Facilitated workshops focused on mental resilience and confidence-building for goalkeepers at all levels.
- Collaborated with other coaching staff to ensure alignment of training objectives and overall team strategy.
District Manager
Bromley Schools District
Bromley, Kent
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Led management and coaching of Bromley School District Teams across Years seven to ten.
Revitalised Bromley Schools District football through expert coaching.
Focused on recruiting technically skilled players, disregarding physical stature.
Trained Year seven and eight groups for competitive readiness.
Empowered Year nine teams towards self-assurance in their performances.
Realised Year ten's ambition of clinching league titles.
Mentored boys advancing to professional scholarships full-time.
Several mentees progressed to prestigious premiership or championship clubs. - Developed training programmes for staff skill enhancement.
Education
High School - English, Maths & Science
Ramsden School for Boys
Orpington, Bromley 09.1981 - 06.1987
Skills
- UEFA B Goalkeeping Coach
- UEFA B outfield Coach
- FA Level 2 Goalkeeping Coach
- FA Level 2 outfield Coach
- FA Youth Module Level 1 & 2
- FA Futsal Level 1 Coach
- FA Level 1 Talent ID Scout
- FA Level 2 Talent ID Scout
- Level 3 Personal Trainer
- First Aid Trained
- DBS Registered
- Child Welfare Officer
- Member of the Licensed Coaches Club / FACA
- Developing players via the FA recommended four corner process
- Promote tactical awareness and mental motivation techniques
- Plan coaching sessions to teach players how to improve on their skills
- Assist players in setting short-, mid- and long-term goals
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with the parents of young players to support their progression
- Identify players through talent ID Education
- Strong observation skills
Hobbies and Interests
I have a keen interest in all sports and play Football & Golf on a regular basis., I am well-travelled and have been fortunate to visit many different holiday destinations across the Caribbean, Europe, and America., Alongside my printing career I have gained several qualifications in football coaching. This is a passion of mine due to my love of the sport and my interest in developing young athletes into this profession., My most recent achievement has been winning the Kent youth league premier division 1 north league under 18’s championship with my team - and in turn being offered the position of reserve team Manager for Sevenoaks Town FC for season 2018/2019, which I was delighted to accept.
Affiliations
- all sports especially football and golf
Coaching Career History
- Sevenoaks Town FC, 2018 – Date
- Sevenoaks Town FC Reserve Team Manager
- Charlton Athletic FC, 2016 – 2018
- RTC and Senior Ladies GK Coach
- Sevenoaks Town FC, 2016 – 2018
- Sevenoaks Town FC U18 Manager
- Crystal Palace FC, 2017 – present
- Academy scout and FA level 2 Talent ID Education
- Brighton & Hove Albion FC, 2014 – 2016
- Brighton & Hove Albion FCGK Coach and FA Level 1 Talent ID Education/Academy Scout
- Bromley Schools District Manager, 2013 - 2016
- Year 7 – 10 District Manager
- Gillingham Girls Centre of Excellence Goalkeeping Coach, 2008 – 2010
- Sevenoaks Town FC, 2007 -2012
- Head of GK Development for whole Club – 1st Team to Mini Soccer GK’s
- Farnborough FC, 2004 – 2009
- Erith & Belvedere 1st Team GK Coach, 2013 – 2016
- Cray Valley 1st Team GK Coach, 2011 – 2013
- Proinfinity Development Coach, 2010 – Date
Playing History
- Rainham Town FC: 1989 – 2004
- Southampton FC: 1987 – 1989
- Welling United FC: 1984 – 1987
- Millwall FC: 1980 - 1984
Timeline
1st team goalkeeping coach
Tonbridge Angels
01.2022 - 01.2024
Head of Youth football
Sevenoaks town FC
01.2020 - 04.2025
Reserve team manager
Sevenoaks Town FC
01.2018 - 01.2020
U18 Manager
Sevenoaks Town FC
01.2016 - 01.2018
Senior Ladies GK Coach
Charlton RTC
01.2016 - 01.2018
District Manager
Bromley Schools District
01.2013 - 01.2016
High School - English, Maths & Science
Ramsden School for Boys
09.1981 - 06.1987
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