Who we are

Football 2 Music is an unique and exciting football training experience for children aged 3 years and upwards, throughout Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. Our unique approach combines the skills and flair of indoor football with upbeat and energetic music, creating a truly engaging and unique experience.

Using catchy and high tempo beats, our football training sessions will not only improve the players football skills, but also keep them entertained and motivated throughout the session. Whether they are dribbling to the rhythm or scoring goals to the beat, our football and music-infused training sessions will make learning football a joyous and memorable experience.

Meet our Founder, Director and Lead Coach Shaun McCarthy

Visit Shaun’s LinkedIn profile and connect with him.

Coaching background

Shaun has nearly 20 years experience of multi-sports coaching for children aged 1 - 15 years. However, football is his specialist sport and is where his passion lies, especially within the grassroots and youth game. This has led him to coaching young players from complete beginners who are training for the first time, to developing players who are working towards a place at elite clubs and academies. The foundations of our club and the unique approach of introducing music to football sessions, have come together from his years of practice, coaching experience and the people he has collaborated with throughout his playing and coaching journey.

Experience

He has worked across the sports coaching and education sectors within different leadership and management roles. This includes roles within business development, operational management, marketing, recruitment and training, as well as thousands of hours of practical sports coaching delivery. Has has worked very closely with schools to develop their sports and extra curricular activities, as well as help them grow financially and sustainably to provide more resources and support opportunities for their students and the future. Shaun has played football for nearly 30 years and reached a semi-professional level.

Interests

A sports enthusiast with a deep passion for watching, playing and breathing football. A Nottingham Forest fan throughout his entire life (even after the glory days of the late 70’s), but also enjoys watching his local team MK Dons. Shaun has always found the combination of sport and music fascinating and enjoys listening to upbeat and high tempo music whilst exercising and playing sport. The music keeps him motivated and gives him an extra boost to push that little bit more. This, combined with some research on the positive impact music has on children and his drive to help more children become active, is what encouraged him to start the Football 2 Music journey.

Shaun’s other passions are watching films (The Matrix being his favourite), listening to podcasts (sports and business) and playing with toys and football with his daughter.

Qualifications

  • Multiple FA qualifications

  • BA (Hons) Business and Management from Northumbria University (First Class Honours)

  • Level 5 NVQ Management and Leadership (Distinction)

  • Level 5 Apprenticeship Operational and Departmental Leadership (Distinction)

  • Qualified Emergency First Aider

  • Safeguarding Children Certified

  • Fully Enhanced DBS checked

Our mission:

To create the best football and musically inspired experience for children, becoming their favourite activity of the week.

Our motto:

Football led, music inspired

How it works

Music is constantly played throughout the session, from the moment the children arrive until they leave. The music volume is controlled by the coach and is lowered to either explain an activity, provide a teaching moment or is part of the activity (musical football statues).

The music tempo and volume changes in line with the activity the children are doing and stage of the session they are at. The intensity in the music grows as the session progresses, then is reduced for the cool down.

What makes us different from the rest?

In our opinion, there is nothing worse than a coach taking too long to get activities started, seeing the children standing around and losing interest. We solve this problem through the use of music within our sessions. We use it as a tool to measure the amount of active movement and playing time each individual child has, ensuring we are being inclusive and engaging for all and tailoring to both the individual and group needs.

Less coach more music…

The need for change and progression is consistent and the way we do things should continue to evolve, and football coaching is no exception. We are collaborative and support change where necessary, and our unique way of using music as a tool within sessions and the benefits it has demonstrates this. We are actively looking to take coaching into a new direction….