Meet the Coach

Bernard has played competitive football since the age of 8 initially in the Black Country Friendly league. He joined Black Country Lions F.C. at under 11's and played in the Stourbridge and District Youth Football League through to under 17's.

He initially played for a short time as a defender but soon found his true vocation as a Goalkeeper. From the age of 12 Bernard was professionally trained by Bernard Day and Mark Naylor. Both coaches work at the highest level with professional league teams. Mark Naylor now being the West Bromwich Albion Academy Goalkeeper coach and Bernard Day has coached at West Brom, Walsall and Hereford Town among others. The coaching developed Bernard's skills and he progressed to trials with Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Shrewsbury Town. Having played games for each of these clubs it was terrific experience for a youngster of his age. Along the way this has given him the opportunity to be coached by several top class players including Peter Bonetti, Nigel Spinks and Kevin Poole.

Bernard also played for Dudley and Brierley Hill Schools from under 12's to under 15's and was selected for the West Midland County trials at under 14.

At 14 Bernard qualified as a Referee and began officiating in the S.D.Y.F.L. and at the West Bromwich Albion Academy. He is currently being mentored at the Academy and has progressed from running the line to refereeing several under 14 fixtures. This is an exciting opportunity for him as we all know top class referees are hard to find these days. This season he will be aiming for promotion to level 6.

Coaching became a passion of Bernard's early in his playing days as he has always been motivated by learning and wanting to teach others. He used to attend Birmingham County Football Development Scheme goalkeeping coaching sessions during school holidays and the enthusiasm he showed there resulted in him actually working for the them as his work experience from school. He regularly worked for the B.C.F.D.S. during school holidays at various venues and this year will progress to actually running the sessions.

Bernard achieved his F.A. Level 1 Certificate of Coaching Football within a few days of his 16th Birthday and followed that by becoming one of the youngest ever to achieve the F.A. Goalkeeping Award Level 1. In July 2008 he attained the F.A. Level 2 Certificate of Coaching Football. This will then allow Bernard to move on to the F.A. Goalkeeping Award Level 2 early next year.

August 2008 he completed the SAQ® P Award that helps coaches, teachers, conditioners, trainers and those involved in sport, recreational health & fitness and physical education with knowledge and practical skills in Speed, Agility and Quickness Training.

For 2008-9 season Bernard has been appointed Goalkeeper Coach to the Birmingham County F.A. under 16's representative team.

Bernard has also been appointed Goalkeeper Coach for the Birmingham County F.A. Disability Centre of Excellence. The centre will run squads at under 14's and 17's age group.

Bernard is currently studying for B.T.E.C. National Diploma in Sports Development at Halesowen College and has completed his first year as the only student to achieve straight distinctions. He has been selected as an Ambassador for the College.