From complete beginners to international players
My soccer school is open to children of all abilities, and we are very proud of the talented players we produce.
Romy's Skills Showcase
Romy began training with me at the age of four and could perform one kick-up. Following my teaching methods, Romy achieved over 1,000 (one thousand!) kick-ups within 18 months. Romy is the second 6-year-old to achieve 1,000 kick-ups at our soccer school.
Harry Gray
Harry Gray trained with me for seven years. He attended two-hour sessions several times per week, and I also visited his primary school to provide individual training sessions during the school day using Brazilian Soccer School methods.
Major Soccer School milestones since we started in 2003
I've coached over 5,000 children in Harrogate and the surrounding areas.
We are very proud that from a 'mixed ability intake', over 500 of our players have had trials with professional clubs.
Over 200 of our players have signed for professional football academies.
Professional players
Our Soccer School have had players in every league in English football from the Premier League down
Here are some of our current players making their way in the professional game.
Liam Kitching
Liam played up a year in my very first grassroots team in Harrogate. He quickly took to the Brazilian Soccer Schools coaching programme and became a formidable centre half. He has worked his way up at several professional clubs and is currently vice captain at Coventry City.
Stan Mills
Every player born 2003/04 in the grassroots team I coached (Pannal Sports JFC) joined my Brazilian Soccer School. The results were staggering: 20 of the boys went on to join a professional academy. Stan was always a fantastic finisher and played for Everton before moving to the Championship with Oxford United.
Kristi Montgomerie
Kristi (middle of photo) played in the same grassroots team as Stan Mills (left) and Harry Leonard (right). As well as 20 academy players, 7 of the boys became junior internationals including Kristi who represented Scotland U21 and currently plays for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
Harry Leonard
Harry played in my grassroots team and trained at Brazilian Soccer Schools for several years. In 2013 he helped the Soccer School become National Street Football champions. He turned professional with Blackburn Rovers, and currently plays for Peterborough United in League One.
Kian Spence
Kian achieved 100 kick ups at the age of 5 and trained with Brazilian Soccer Schools for 10 years, playing many matches against professional academies along the way. One of the fittest players in the country, Kian currently plays for Rotherham United in League One.
Robbie Gotts
Robbie also trained at the Brazilian Soccer School in Harrogate for many years and made his Leeds United debut against Arsenal at the Emirates (see photo). He currently plays for Doncaster Rovers in League One.
There's nothing else like Amazing at Sport
Backed up by 30 years of coaching expertise, my Amazing at Sport programme includes 200 YouTube videos and an easy-to-follow book. Discover how I got my kids proficient in eight sports by the age of three.
My coaching journey
Brazilian Flair in Yorkshire
I started out as Head of Boys PE in a secondary school in West Yorkshire. Whilst teaching, I successfully passed my UEFA B Coaching badge and the ICFDS Brazilian Coaching Licences. I spent 2 years coaching for Leeds United before setting up one of Simon Clifford's Brazilian Soccer Schools in Bradford in 1999. I moved to Harrogate in 2003 and have run the Brazilian Soccer School there (re-named FDS Harrogate, in 2014) ever since.
During my time at Brazilian Soccer Schools, I became a National Squad Coach and an International Coach Educator.
Simon Clifford is the creator of Socatots, Brazilian Soccer Schools and Futebol de Salao (FDS) programmes. He has been a great friend and mentor to me since meeting him in 1999. Combining Simon's world-class training syllabuses and my teaching skills has created something very special for young footballers in Harrogate.
Simon pioneered a new type of training in the UK (and beyond) using a size 2 ball, a unique skills badge scheme consisting of core skills, juggling and passing with a completely structured syllabus to create the complete footballer from the ages of 6-18.
Testimonials
Why parents and children love our Soccer School
Engaging testimonials showcase the impact of our training on young children's development.
“I love the Soccer School, I am getting so much better than my friends.”
Harry
Aged 7
“The training there is perfect for children to develop into fantastic footballers and become good people.”
Danny Mills
Parent and former England player
“Over the weekend Amhra represented the Great Britain Bobsleigh team in Germany. We hope it will be the first of many such appearances leading to the Olympics. The Soccer School and you in particular have played a very important stepping stone for Amhra not just in terms of his football and athletics journey but also in helping him get where he is today. Thank you from both of us.”
Dave and Amhra
Grandad of Great British Bobleigh athlete Amhra Stott
“"I highly recommend Stuart's Soccer School, all 4 of my boys have attended the classes and I see it is an important part of my children's all round football development and education.”
Andy Gray
Father of Archie and Harry Gray
“My team have been transformed and are now starting to win lots more matches by playing fast, skilful football.”
Neil
Parent and grassroots under 12's coach
“The coaches are amazing with the children and have given my child so much confidence both on and off the football pitch. I can't thank them enough."
Michelle
Michelle – parent of FDS player aged 8
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FDS Harrogate
What is the main aim at your Soccer School?
It is our aim to help every child fulfil their potential, whether playing in the playground with friends or going on to play in a World Cup final. Before any football considerations we help all the children to become good young people.
How many children have trained at the Soccer School?
We have coached over 5,000 children in the Harrogate area since 2003.
What age and ability do you teach?
We coach boys and girls of all abilities aged 5-16. We never select players on ability as every player can be amazing.
What skills do you teach?
We teach the children around 200 core skills, turns, moves to beat players and passing techniques using 6 surfaces of both feet.
What does FDS mean?
Futebol de Salao is a 5-a-side version of football of South American origin that is played with a smaller (size 2), heavier ball. The game became very popular in Brazil where players such as Pele, Ronaldinho, and Neymar were brought up first playing Futebol de Salao before moving onto conventional football.