OUR STORY
Rooted in Rossendale.
Connected Across Continents.
I’m Michael Fogarty, founder of Mamelodi Sundowns Soccer Schools UK.
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 Footy Tots 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 that next chapter.
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.
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.