My coaching journey began around 15 years ago, volunteering in the Rossendale area. What started as an opportunity to get involved in local football grew into a career working with young players, including nine years at Manchester United before moving to Blackburn Rovers.
During my time at Manchester United, I was fortunate to travel the world delivering football coaching. Africa became a second home, particularly South Africa, where I built friendships and connections that have shaped everything that followed.
A Shared Belief in Developing Young Players
Through those visits, I got to know Nick and Steph Aresti, founders of Global Soccer Schools International. We shared a belief in giving children the skills, confidence and freedom to enjoy football, with the ball at the heart of their development.
Back home, I was delivering Little Dribblers sessions, with my own son just two years old. Seeing football through the eyes of both a coach and a parent made that belief even more personal.
Our relationship with Nick and Steph grew, and we joined the Global Soccer Schools International network—connecting our local coaching in the UK with a wider football community in South Africa.
Becoming MSSS UK
When Global Soccer Schools International partnered with Mamelodi Sundowns to create Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools, we became part of something much bigger.
Mamelodi Sundowns are one of Africa’s football giants. In 2025, they represented South Africa at the first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, sharing the global stage with clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea. They became African champions for the second time in 2026 and, that September, defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 2–1 in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
For MSSS UK, being part of the Sundowns Soccer Schools network connects our Rossendale community to a club competing at the highest level of African and world football.
Today, MSSS UK brings together our local roots, professional academy coaching and an international network. Our purpose remains the same: to help children develop as players, grow in confidence and build a lasting love of football.
Football That Builds Connections
We regularly host international football tours, giving our young players opportunities to meet, train and play alongside players visiting from Africa. These experiences create friendships, introduce different styles of football and show children how the game connects people across countries and cultures.
Learning, Sharing and Giving Back
I also return to South Africa to deliver coaching within Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools and support community projects. That work has been deeply rewarding, giving me opportunities to share what I’ve learned while continuing to learn from the coaches, children and communities around me.
Sharing Our Journey
Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to share our journey on South African television and radio, helping introduce the project to a wider audience.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE GAME
Football Brings
Us Together
Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools UK gives young players a place to develop their football, grow in confidence and enjoy the game with others.
Led by Michael Fogarty, our coaching draws on experience in academy football, community coaching and delivery in both the UK and South Africa.
Looking Ahead
I’m proud of where this journey began and the people who have helped it grow. As MSSS UK continues to develop, we want more children to experience the coaching, friendships and opportunities that being part of this football community can bring.
LET’S GET THEM TALKING
We’ll help you find the right session for your child.