About The Football Development Programme
The Football Development Programme © was established in 2005 and consists of Ex. Academy / Youth team / Reserve Team Players from various Professional Clubs.
Staff employed have been released from their respective clubs and now coach at either Burnley F.C or Blackburn Rovers Academies.
We offer In-School Professional Football Coaching, Half Term / Summer Football Courses and After-School Football Courses.
We also deliver two educational initiatives in Primary Schools across Lancashire:
‘The Numeracy through Football Initiative ©’
Launched in September 2005.
‘The Healthy Eating through Football Initiative ©’
Launched in January 2008.
Our Aims
In the classroom, we aim to use our knowledge and experience, we aim to help each child progress in their education and make them fully aware of how important a good education is.
The Football Development Programme © aims to develop and improve a child’s confidence and technical ability during all School visits and Football courses.
Meet The Team
Matt Walsh was at Preston North End for 9 years from age 8 to 17, eventually being released from the club a number of years ago.
At age 15, Matt had England U15 trials. During his time at PNE, Matt had numerous approaches from Manchester United (over a 3-year Period), Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Barnsley.
Matt has been coached by former Man Utd, Everton and West Ham United manager David Moyes during his time at Preston North End. He was also Coached by Former West Ham United assistant manager & former Blackpool F.C Manager Neil McDonald for 2 years, as well as former Barnsley Manager Simon Davey for 2 years.
Shortly after leaving Preston North End, Matt moved to the U.S.A to play when he was 19. Matt was offered a 4 Year Scholarship to play in California. Unfortunately, after failing to recover from Injury, Matt had to return to England.
After returning to England, Matt turned his attentions to coaching.
Matt was the creator of The Football Development Programme © in 2005.
Matt took his UEFA B Licence in May 2011 with the PFA and passed the course in February 2012.
Matt passed his FA Youth Award in January 2016.
Matt took his UEFA ‘A’ Licence in April 2018 and passed the Course in May 2019.
Matt passed his Advanced Youth Award (AYA) in December 2020.
Matt worked at Blackburn Rovers Academy from August 2014 to August 2018, working with players from U8’s to U14’s.
Matt started coaching at Burnley FC Academy from September 2018, working with players from U13’s – U16’s.
From March 2020, Matt started working Full Time at Burnley FC, working with players from U13’s – U21’s.
As of April 2024, Matt was promoted to U18’s coach at Burnley FC.
Click here for information on the rest of
The Football Development Programme team.