Football has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.

I started out in grassroots and school football before spending a short period in the Leeds United academy system. At 13, I joined Halifax Town's Centre of Excellence and progressed through the ranks before earning a YTS scholarship when I left school.

By the age of 16, I had already played more than 70 open age reserve team games against senior professionals, earned a first team squad number and was training around the first team environment. A year later, I made my Football League debut at 17.

My career then took me across three continents, playing in England, New Zealand, Austria, Bulgaria and the United States. Along the way, I represented clubs including, Dunedin Technical, FC Gratkorn, FC Beroe and New England Revolution under former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol. Back in England, I also made more than 150 semi professional appearances with clubs including Bradford Park Avenue, Leigh RMI, Farsley Celtic and Harrogate Railway.

Looking back, my game was built around technical ability and football intelligence. I loved having the ball at my feet, receiving under pressure, playing in tight areas and finding solutions in difficult situations. The technical side of the game fascinated me as a player and it still does today. I have always been drawn to teams such as Spain and Brazil, whose creativity, confidence and quality on the ball have inspired footballers for generations.

Alongside my playing career, I completed my FA coaching qualifications more than 20 years ago at Manchester United's training ground, The Cliff, alongside former players including Denis Irwin. I also hold Talent Identification qualifications and have spent over two decades coaching and developing young players.

Today, I am also a husband and proud dad of three. Having experienced football as a player, coach and parent, I understand the journey from every angle. My passion is helping young players develop technically, build confidence and enjoy the game while giving them the tools to reach their full potential, wherever their football journey may take them.