Our Coaches


Our coaches are :

- Emergency 1st aid trained

- FA and UEFA qualified

- Children safeguarding trained


Our coaching staff is made up of FA qualified player developers with a wealth of experience coaching at various levels of  the football development pyramid. Each day, it’s their mission to support our players and push them to the next level in a positive player led environment . 

​If interested in joining our team please email your CV to : Thrivingstarsacademy@gmail.com 


Coach Valentine Mbewe

Coach Valentine has over 15 years coaching experience working in grassroots and professional football academies . Valentine coaches for a Category 1 football academy alongside a PE specialist role at Harwood hill school in Welwyn garden City. Valentine currently holds the UEFA B coaching licence and a Degree in Sport health and fitness management .

Coach Mark Gauden

Mark has been coaching at Welwyn St Marys school for 3 years with great success. He has a big interest across a wide range of sports Including Tennis and Basketball. Mark currently plays in goal  for two six a aside football teams and is a passionate Arsenal supporter .  Mark is a FA qualified football coach and holds 1st aid and child protection qualifications .