About us

Football Development Schools was established in April 2005 in Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties by Scott Baines, Kristian Heames and Howard Willmott. The aim of Football Development Schools is to create a comprehensive, long term football education system for young footballers of all abilities.  We have a Community department covering all inclusive aspects of our coaching.  This includes our work with primary schools, Saturday morning clubs, school holiday coaching courses and birthday parties.  At the level above our community department is our Development Centre section.

Our Development Centres are based on scouting and recommendations and are more exclusive due to the challenging nature of coaching at this level.  The emphasis is on individual technical development at a centre that is local to players.  Players attending these centres are encouraged to master the ball first and foremost.  This results in players improving a great deal, with the select few who excel, invited to attend the FDS Academy.

Having mastered the ball previously, FDS Academy players are coached to master the game by our highly qualified and experienced staff.  This is further complemented by European Tours, a comprehensive fixture programme and our strong links with the professional game.