ABOUT US

MEET THE COACHES

Head Coach

Mark Pulling

Mark has experienced a successful career in coaching. Having worked with soccer schools such as Shelton YFC, Pass Academy, Adidas Predator, BHAFC and Chelsea FC international residential. Mark is a FA Level 2 coach soon to be undertaking his level 3 UEFA B course. His management career has also been successful, having been 1st team coach of clubs such as Burgess Hill Town, Worthing FC and Horsham YMCA, within the Ryman leagues. Mark has worked frequently between Assistant First Team Manager/Head Coach and U18 management positions. Mark managed Burgess Hill U18s in 2008/2009 when they reached the FA Youth Cup first round proper and drew Wycombe Wanderers. Mark has managed Brighton and Hove School boys teams and worked with the Sussex County FA U18 side. He has won numerous league and county cup youth titles within his work in schools. A highlight would be when he led a school side to the ESFA National Schools Cup Final at West Bromwich Albion FC. Mark has over 15 years experience teaching/coaching children and adults.

Marks playing career began with Fishersgate Flyers YFC. He was part of a successful youth side that won 3 back-back county cups as well as league and cup titles. Mark had trials and spent time at BHAFC, Portsmouth FC and Newcastle United. He captained the Sussex County FA U18 side and the Sussex U19 college side to representative title honours, he also played for the Sussex FA U21 side. Mark moved into senior football at the age of 17 with Horsham FC and won the ICIS football league title in that first season. Mark played for Wick FC and won the RUR Cup. He then moved to Shoreham FC and captained the side to promotion from county division 2. Mark then moved to Withdean 2000 in the Combined Counties Premier, where he won a league and cup double beating AFC Wimbledon to the title. The following season saw a move to Worthing FC and another promotion this time to the Ryman Premier Division and a Sussex Senior Cup Final. Mark then moved to Burgess Hill and was nominated to the Argus Non league team of the year. Mark has also played for Eastbourne Town in the Ryman league South. He is currently playing for Three Bridges FC in the Ryman League South with the team having just finished the season in a very respectable 7th place in the league.

Favourite player(s): David Beckham and Gazza

Best player(s) played against: Jimmy Bullard and Arsenal(team)

Best non league players played with: Phill Sommers and Mark Dunk

Best Pros played with: Paul Rogers and Darren Freeman

Best Coach: Les Rodgers
Best Managers: Roger Brace, Alan Pook, Danny Bloor and Peter Miles

PLEASE NOTE: All our coaches are covered with an enhanced DBS check. They are qualified in Emergency First Aid and regular Safeguarding Children Workshops. All Coaches hold an accredited FA coaching badge and are licensed to the FA.

The Forward Pass Football Academy(FPFA) was created in 2015 by Director of coaching Mark Pulling. We are a football coaching company offering opportunities for 5-14 year old girls and boys, to progress their game, socialise with new people and have the chance to participate in FUN football activities/games.

The aim of the FPFA is to create a positive environment for individuals aged 5-14 of all abilities. Within this environment we will facilitate the social well-being of all participants and most importantly create regular learning opportunities through Football. Our sessions may differ from individual to group but the end goal is always the same.

So, what is the end goal? We have three targets at the FPFA.
1) To provide an environment where children can be active and have FUN

2) To produce talented footballers and provide an environment where they can develop their ability to make positive progress going into senior football.

3) To facilitate children who would like to improve socially, giving them the opportunity to learn a variety of skills - including communication

Ability levels are irrelevant as we would like to work with all children - we will devise session plans based on a number of factors and some sessions could solely be focused on games and skill drills.

We are looking to focus on the FA's 4-corner-model when approaching our sessions. See the image on the left for the 4 corner model.