Meet Our Coaches
We have a team of great coaches here to help develop our players both with their football skills and with their social skills. We adapt our sessions each week to develop different skills, individually and as a team, and most importantly - make them fun!
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Many of our coaches, particularly for the Under 12's squad, have been part of Croygas for many years including ex players.
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The Senior Coaches also look to develop the junior coaches and get them through the FA 1 Coaching Badge.
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All Senior Coaches have the minimum of the FA 1 Coaching Badge and are DBS checked. Every coach is a volunteer with most of them not having any association with the club (for example having kids there themselves) other than wanting to give back and be part of a great team.
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Bob Watson
Senior Coach
I formed the team 10 years ago with the hope of growing a great team for deserving kids in the local area. Inspired by the great work of my Dad, with the help of some amazing people over the years, I am proud of what we have achieved.
I played football for 32 years before giving up and starting The Pirates.
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I run my own charity, The RWW foundation, as well as my own company RWW Plumbing and Heating. I have 4 kids and a very lucky wife.
I am a lifelong Chelsea FC supporter.
Martin Spackman
Senior Coach
I got involved with Croygas as I was introduced to the Pirates by Dave Marshall (one of the founding coaches) as it gave my children a pathway into football.
I was delighted to be asked to become a coach by the Pirates coaches and given the opportunity to contribute to the children’s development.
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Being a parent of two SEN children, I understand first hand the difference these sessions make to confidence & social interaction of those participating.
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I have played football in a variety of forms over the years, but I have never enjoyed it more than the sessions each Saturday and the smiles on everyone’s faces.
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Team - Arsenal
Michael Hayes
Senior Coach
I was invited down by Bob several years ago and I have loved every minute. The kids make my week and they are a pleasure to coach whatever the weather.
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I have been involved in football since I was 5 (so not long..) and played in and coached for several local teams.
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I live in Reigate with my family and run my business Hayes Financial Planning from with my wife Heather.
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My daughter Emily, I am proud to say, is a coach with us as well
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I am a Liverpool fan and a Crawley season ticket holder.
Kalvin Martindale Lock
Senior Coach
Martin invited me down one week and I haven’t stopped coming since
Knowing I can make someone’s week just by giving an hour of my time and the smiles on players faces . And I get to nutmeg them and the other coaches (sometimes).
Team you Support Arsenal (Best team in London)
Harry Putt
Senior Coach
I have been coaching at Croygas for 5 years and enjoy working with both age groups.
I am a Chelsea/QPR supporter.
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Outside of football my past times includes Football, rounders, writing, drawing, dinosaurs and Godzilla.
Brandon Lenton
Senior Coach
Fastest coach alive, I put Usain Bolt into retirement.
I used to play for Croygas and stepped into a coaching role at Croygas Pirates at the humble age of 16. It's always been a joy coaching and seeing the kids improve over my 7 year tenure here.
I hope to be here for more years and watch our club grow from strength to strength just like our squad.
Emily Hayes
Junior Coach
Emily has been part of the Junior Coaching team since 2022 and enjoys every minute.
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A firm favorite with the children due to her caring nature, Emily is developing as a coach and hopes to complete her FA Coaching badge through 2024 alongside starting at Reigate College.
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Will Davies
Senior coach
I first started coaching at Croygas two years ago after spending a season watching my son playing for the Under 16s. From the sidelines I could see how much my son and the other children were thriving due to the enthusiasm of the coaches and this inspired me to volunteer.
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Coaching at Croygas has been a brilliant experience and getting to know the children and watching their development is truly rewarding.
I support Crystal Palace (and CroyGas)
Lewis Spackman
Junior Coach and Under 16 player
When I first joined Croygas, there was a special team spirit there that I never felt with any other club. Everyone wants to play for the team and that makes every training session the highlight of the week.
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Coach Michael says 'An excellent player, constantly developing and learning, Lewis is a leader in the team'.
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Lewis is now enjoying coaching the Under 12's and bringing his experience and enthusiasm every week.
Team - Arsenal.
David Marshall
Honorary Senior Coach
David is a founder member of Croygas Pirates and has been instrumental in the growth of the club. David has the amazing ability of devising sessions to suit everyone, develop them and make them fun all at once. All of the players but respect and enjoy being with him every Saturday.
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After 2023/24 David has decided to hang up his boots for a while to enjoy West Ham and seeing more of his family. He has promised to come and join us from time to time, which we are all looking forward to. His finishing skills will be missed in the coaches games.
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Team - West Ham
Elaine Vivienne Manners
Honorary Chair
Elaine has been involved with the club from the beginning and has run the club amazingly. From registering the players and coaches to organising new kits and sponsorships, the full list of work that Elaine has to complete to keep the club running is too long for this bio. The players, parents and coaches have been incredibly lucky to have Elaine at the club and we are all extremely grateful for what she has done.
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Elaine has decided to step away at the end of 2023/24 season but we sincerely hope she continues to come along whenever she can. She will be spending more time with her husband Jason (who has also been a great coach and manager at the club).
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Team - Croygas