Mark founded MDFS in 2017 and has been coaching football for over 25 years. He gained his UEFA B License in 2003 and went on to work for Bolton Wanderers in their academy for over ten years, before later scouting for their first team and academy. He is also a qualified teacher, after successful completion of his PGCE teaching degree in 2009. Mark has worked at Bradford Park Avenue in their academy and first team, helping the team reach the National League North play-offs. He was also previously part of the coaching team at Northern Premier League side Liversedge.

Mark has lived in Halifax all his life and has been married to Deb for over 30 years, with two children – Sam and Megan – both of whom either currently work for MDFS or have done previously.

Sam runs the business alongside his dad Mark and is responsible for all off-field operations as well as the growth of the business. He has several years experience working in elite sport having held the role of Head of Media & Communications at Fleetwood Town Football Club for four years, working closely alongside managers Joey Barton, Uwe Rosler and John Sheridan. Before this, Sam was Media Manager at Halifax RLFC and spent 12 months working at ITV Calendar as part of his final year Sports Journalism university course.

Sam was previously first team manager at Greetland FC between 2021-24, winning two league titles and overseeing the club’s progression to the Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division.

John is a vastly experienced football coach and player, having been involved in the game for well over 20 years, with the last seven coaching in Greetland FC’s foundation phase.

Since joining MDFS in January 2022, John has become a key part of the coaching team, delivering across our Weekend and Midweek Group Sessions, as well as running the popular Goalkeeper Group Sessions each week. John is MDFS’ specialist Goalkeeper Coach and also runs 1-1 sessions for budding goalkeepers. He is a season ticket holder at FC Halifax Town and still dreams of The Shaymen returning to the Football League!

LEAD COACH

Chris joined the team in November 2023 and is a key member of our weekend coaching team. Chris in a really enthusiastic coach who has been coaching youngsters at grassroots level for over two years. As well as now leading his own groups at MDFS, he is the head coach of the successful Ryburn Blacks U8’s team. The MDFS coaching ethos and philosophy of smiles on faces fits perfectly in line with Chris’ values too. Chris is a diehard Leeds United fan and regularly attends games with his son Zac.

Craig became part of the MDFS coaching team in early 2025 and works across both our Midweek & Weekend Group Sessions. Craig played at Huddersfield Town for three years as well as semi-professional at Ossett Town before work commitments meant he played locally. He won multiple trophies as a player including County Cups and local league titles.

Ed started his coaching journey in 2023, guiding his Greetland Comets U7’s and now U8’s team to great success. He has a positive and player centred coaching philosophy that focuses on fun, development and enjoyment whilst encouraging players to be as creative as possible. Ed shows great enthusiasm and passion for the game whilst looking to enhance his own coaching skill set. Ed is a dedicated runner and proud member of both Calder Valley Fell Runners as well as our neighbours Stainland Lions. He’s also a proud Bolton Wanderers fan and season ticket holder with his sons Henry and Alfie who have both been with us at MDFS for a number of years too.

Mat joined the MDFS team in early 2025 and brings nearly 20 years coaching experience to the team. He is a passionate and dedicated UEFA C license coach who currently manages Huddersfield Amateur’s first team as well as running his own Goalkeeper Coaching business. Mat has coached at grassroots clubs Northowram and Greetland as well as private company Soccer Akidemy.

LEAD COACH

Sam is an experienced coach who has worked at all levels and is currently manager at Shelley FC. Having played non-league and local football, he is passionate about developing the next generation of footballers with a smile on their face, fitting the MDFS ethos perfectly.

Having joined MDFS in the summer of 2023, Sam has instantly become an integral member of the coaching team and delivers across all ages throughout the week.

He also runs several 1-1 outfield sessions and has developed a lot of our budding young footballers to be more confident on and off the football pitch.

Sam is one of our newest additions at MDFS joining in the summer of 2024. Along with coach Jacob, he supports our lead coaches, mainly working across our Group Sessions and Holiday Camps. Sam is also a former Brighouse Town junior player.

Sam is studying Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University, which he is gaining valuable experience by working closely with the Leeds Untied Foundation to further his development. In his spare time Sam watches his beloved Burnley FC at Turf Moor, where he is a season ticket holder.

Jacob joined the MDFS team in the summer of 2024, working on our popular Holiday Camps before becoming a Support Coach at several of our weekly Group Sessions.

Once upon a time Jacob actually attended weekly sessions delivered by Mark and still has his Player of the Week trophy at home! Jacob is a keen footballer and plays open age football for local side Greetland FC alongside studying his A Levels at Brooksbank School.