"Most people talk about doing things. And some people do them. Richmond Mavericks exist, and thrive, because some people do things."  

                (Owen Amos - Chairman of Richmond Mavericks FC)

The name 'Maverick Soccer' is a dedication to those who have helped me to enjoy soccer as much as I have.

Like most boys growing up in England, all I ever wanted to be was a professional soccer player. At age 15 I was given my big chance, with EPL side Sunderland AFC. Unfortunately I didn't make the cut. It was the biggest setback I had ever felt and being at that awkward age, I faced a serious risk of starting to fall out of love with the game.  

Then along came the Richmond Mavericks.

I have played for a small number of clubs which I have truly loved. The Three Coopers, Bedale Town, and Northumbria University to name three particularly close to my heart. However, the story behind the Richmond Mavericks is like nothing I have ever known.

Set up by a group of teachers at Richmond School in order to give the pupils (me being one of them) a chance to play soccer in the local men’s league, the club rapidly grew from a random late-night idea thrown into discussion, to an institution which has since touched the lives of hundreds of local youngsters.

I find it very difficult to put into words. I don’t know if it was the fact that we as a team were all so young facing up against what seemed like giants of men, or the uniqueness of our tangerine playing shirts, but something special connected us as players. One thing I am certain of though is that I owe so much to those involved in setting up ‘the Mavs’. They truly changed my life. I can safely say that I am a better person for having spent those crucial late teenage years under the guidance of such morally-sound role models. I only hope I can have a similar effect on the lives of youngsters I am lucky enough to share the game with.

Forza Mavs. Bleed Tangerine!

The term 'maverick' can be defined as one 'who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates', and I'd like to believe that is partly true of my own coaching philosophy.

Unlike many of the coaches that you see (or hear!), I didn't get involved in coaching soccer so that I could win games. Truth be told, I genuinely don't care about the result most of the time (although it is a nice bonus).

What I do care about is spreading a passion for the game and ensuring it is being played the right way. The Maverick way.