ABOUT
TOM STATHAM
Tom is a highly experienced football coach, with over 30 years of coaching at Manchester United. He has worked with boys aged 7-18 while learning from legendary coaches such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Kidd and René Meulensteen.
With a degree in PE and Sports Science from Loughborough University, Tom began his career as a professional footballer, playing for Middlesbrough, Doncaster Rovers, and Lincoln City. He later transitioned into coaching and was offered a position at Manchester United.
During his tenure at the club, Tom has been instrumental in developing some of the top professional players in the game, including Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, and Jonny Evans. His expertise in youth development has earned him recognition from the Football Association, who awarded him the Foundation Phase Academy Coach of the Year in 2015.
As a coach, Tom is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for young players to develop their skills and reach their full potential. After a lifetime of passion and dedication to his craft, he's a respected figure in the football community.
Tony Whelan
Academy Consultant and former Head of Academy Coaching at Manchester United Football Club
In terms of football player development, Tom has great knowledge, experience and an excellent reputation. He has a mission to ensure that young players develop a love and passion for football.
Over the years, Tom has helped our youth department to expand and grow in a range of areas including: syllabus and curriculum development, coach education, pastoral care and parent liaison. He was also hugely instrumental in assisting me to drive what has since become a hugely influential project/initiative - our 4 V 4 U9 project in the summer of 2002. His advice, guidance and valued wisdom has seen it become an integral part of the technical development programme in the Academy. What a wonderful legacy for any coach to pass on to the next generation!
In terms of player development, Tom has a CV par excellence. He cares about people and has a mission to ensure that folk young and old develop the love and passion for soccer that has sustained him all these years. 30 years service in the youth department at any football club is a remarkable achievement - at Manchester United - well that really is the stuff of legends - I rest my case!
It has been my distinct privilege and honour to have worked closely with him all these years at this truly amazing football club.
Paul McGuinness
Former U18 Coach & Head Coach, Pro Development Phase at Manchester United Football Club (1992-2016)
In terms of football player development, Tom has great knowledge, experience and an excellent reputation. Aligned to that, he is a kind, caring, reliable and extremely trustworthy human being who loves his football and has a mission to ensure that young players develop a love and passion for football.