Diligence Coaching

28/01/2026

I regularly work with different age groups and different contexts within those age groups.

This format challenges me in different ways, forces me to plan the sessions in different ways and often makes me need to adjust things mid session to challenge or simplify things for the players.

Plan, Improvise and adapt.

Monday:
U10’s NYSA - Finding and Identifying Space

Tuesday:
U11-U13 York City FC - Recieving Under Pressure

Friday:
U10 Boys - U12 Girls NYSA - Small Sided Games - Tournament
U11 NYSA - JPL Match

Saturday:
NYSA U15 Girls - League Match

Sunday:
NYSA U11 Boys - Cup Match

Monday:
Review of U11 JPL Match

North Yorkshire Soccer Academy

14/01/2026

11/01/2026

After a fantastic break over Christmas we returned with a busy week of football.

Monday:
U10’s and U11’s NYSA - High Intensity - Directional Possession games

Wednesday:
U11 and U12 NYSA - Futsal Matches

Friday:
U10 NYSA - 1 v 1 and 2 v 2 Duels
U11 NYSA - JPL Match

Saturday - Review of U11 JPL Match

It’s good to be back. ⚽️⚽️⚽️

North Yorkshire Soccer Academy

23/12/2025

Last game of 2025 for U11 Reds.

Well done lads and Merry Christmas everyone. 🎅🎄

01/12/2025

🗣️WANTED - U12 Girls Goalkeeper 🧤🧤

Our U12 Girls are looking for a Keen Goalkeeper to join our energetic squad!

We are not bothered if you have never played a single match before but you must have a big desire to keep the ball out of the net!

This space is eligible for girls in school
Year 6 or 7.

Our U12 girls are absolutely flying in the league this season and we are hoping for a big run in the York FA cup!

Coaching sessions are delivered by our UEFA qualified coaches on a Friday evening currently at Sowerby, Thirsk 5-6pm.

If you would like any further info please contact Rich Darcy on 07920469082 🙌

30/11/2025

A fantastic opportunity to coach in a Mini Futsal tournament against Newcastle United alongside North Yorkshire Soccer Academy.

A really competitive, high intensity environment for each group with lots of positives and lots of opportunities to learn.

I love the opportunity for development that Futsal offers.

Well done to all players and coaches. 👏

29/11/2025

I’ve spent the last 3 Friday sessions coaching NYSA U12 Reds.

We have worked on different ways to create space through the build, create and score phases.

The players have worked really hard and they have embraced the challenges we’ve set them. The team has improved each week showing me that they have a better understanding of creating space as a team unit and also improving individual spacial awareness.

As always lots to take away as a coach and how to improve the sessions for next time.

Well done players. 👏

North Yorkshire Soccer Academy

27/10/2025

Here are 7 things I’d tell every young player. ⤵

By Jonathan Smith - an ex-professional football for 17 years

After nearly two decades in the game, I’ve seen it all — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. If I could pass on just a few lessons to the next generation, these would be it 👇

1️⃣ Master the Basics
When I was young, I wanted to impress with tricks and flicks. But what really matters? Control. Passing. Positioning.
Do the simple things brilliantly — that’s what separates good players from great ones.

2️⃣ Stay Fit — Always
I learned the hard way that fitness is everything.
Your body is your greatest tool. Look after it — even in the off-season.

3️⃣ Learn from Every Game
Win or lose, every match teaches you something.
Don’t just move on — reflect, improve, and grow.

4️⃣ Don’t Fear Mistakes
Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of it.
Every great player you admire has failed more times than you think.

5️⃣ Build Mental Strength
You’ll face setbacks — injuries, criticism, tough losses.
What defines you is how you respond. Stay positive. Stay focused.

6️⃣ Value Relationships
Football is a team game. The bonds you build with teammates and coaches will carry you through the toughest days.

7️⃣ Enjoy the Journey
Don’t just chase the end goal.
The best part of football is the journey — the friendships, the moments, the lessons.
Play with joy. That’s what it’s all about.

25/10/2025

Duals Galore last night for NYSA U10 boys followed by U11 Boys.

Match ups and overloads with a bit of murderball thrown in to create the intensity.

Well done to both groups. 👏

North Yorkshire Soccer Academy

18/10/2025

Creating chaos in tight spaces on a Friday night with NYSA U12 Reds.

A great session to encourage spacial awareness and different types of runs off the ball.

Really well worked lads and good luck for the match.

North Yorkshire Soccer Academy

15/10/2025

What a great opportunity for us to visit Precision Football recently and take a look at the training and playing facilities they have to offer.

What we found was a great set up with innovative technical training aids for all ages.

A big shout out to the staff who were more than happy hosting and showing us round the different areas.

We also got to enjoy the first team get off to great start to the season with a belter of a winning goal.

Well done. 👏