James McDaid leads Foothills’ U9–U10 Foundation Phase and serves as Head of Goalkeeping, supporting young players at one of the most important stages of their soccer journey. His work focuses on building strong technical foundations, encouraging confident decision-making, and creating positive, age-appropriate environments where players can learn, compete, and enjoy the game.

With more than 16 years of coaching experience across Europe and Asia, James brings a global perspective to player development. He has worked with boys’ and girls’ players from U5 through U18 and has played a key role in designing and delivering goalkeeping curricula and development programs. His approach combines detail-driven coaching with a player-centred mindset, helping athletes grow both in their technical ability and in their confidence on and off the field.

James also brings a strong commitment to continued learning. Alongside his UEFA A Licence and goalkeeping qualifications, he is currently completing an MSc in Set Pieces in Football: Coaching, Analysis & Execution through Sports Data Campus, further strengthening his expertise in one of the modern game’s most influential areas.

At the heart of James’ coaching philosophy is the belief that young players thrive when they feel supported, challenged, and inspired. His energy, experience, and development-first approach make him a valuable addition to the Foothills pathway.

Why Foothills?