About us
High quality football coaching focused on real player development, confidence and enjoyment.
Our story
S&S Coaching was founded by father and son team Zack and Dean Stokes with one clear mission, to provide high quality football coaching focused on real player development.
Having experienced football across professional academies, competitive environments and education settings, we recognised that many young players lack consistent individual attention outside of team training. S&S Coaching was created to bridge that gap by offering professional coaching that complements club football while prioritising confidence, enjoyment and long term improvement.
Our sessions are built around creating a positive learning environment where players feel supported, challenged and motivated to improve at their own pace.
We believe development happens when players enjoy training, understand the game and gain confidence in their abilities.
Our philosophy
Every player develops at their own pace
Confidence is as important as ability
Quality coaching drives long term improvement
Football should always remain enjoyable
Meet the coaches
Zack brings extensive playing experience from elite football environments.
His coaching focuses on creating realistic training environments that translate directly into match performance while ensuring players enjoy every session.
Dean combines professional playing experience with over two decades of coaching and teaching expertise.
His approach prioritises confidence, communication and long term development, ensuring every player feels valued and supported.
Player development
Our environment
For parents
Testimonials
I had the privilege of being coached by Dean when I was younger from u6-u8s at Unsworth. He had a huge impact on my development not only as a player but as a person. His ability to get the best out of each individual player is what set him apart from other coaches. I couldn't thank Dean enough for helping me grow into the player and person I am today and I would highly recommend him to any parent who wanted a coach for their child.
Dean played a big role in my development, not just improving my game but also building my confidence and understanding of football.
I was coached by Dean from as early as 6 years old and can only be grateful that we crossed paths as early as we did. So many fond memories from training under Dean, the environment he created made me want to go and enjoy my football. A great coach definitely, but an even better person and my time with Dean will stick with me for my whole career. For any young kids wanting to improve and really enjoy their football I would not recommend any other coach.
As a parent, I cannot thank Dean enough for the impact he has had on my son Maxi's development. From the age of just six, Dean has been more than a coach, he has been a mentor, role model and someone who believed in Maxi's potential. Dean's patience, encouragement, knowledge and dedication helped Maxi develop not only as a footballer, but also as a young person. Watching Maxi grow under Dean's guidance from a six-year-old into the player he is today has been incredibly special for us as a family. Seeing him eventually get scouted by Manchester United was a very proud moment, and we know Dean played an important part in the journey that helped Maxi get there. We will always be grateful to Dean for believing in Maxi, supporting him and helping him become the player and person he is today.
Hi mate August's Dad. Today was great, was nice to see the lads being lead by someone who actually knows the game as well as you do!
August's Dad
Parent
Hi Dean & Zack. Thank you for today Billy loved it. He said he liked learning more about close control and would love to continue the sessions.
Billy's family
Parent
Free introductory session
We offer a limited number of free introductory sessions so players and parents can experience our coaching approach first hand.
