KSGS students Thomas Dixon & Ryan Cooper on Darren Simpson, Under-14s football coach

Darren Simpson, coach of Kirkby Stephen's Under-14s football team, is a successful local footballer and Carlisle United supporter .

In the past he played in defence for Kirkby Stephen. He also has played in the Watby Cup for Brough Sowerby and was in the winning team in 2006.

Darren first started coaching in 2001 and in the same year got his qualifications. He went to Milnthorpe for the four-week course.

Coaching courses can be expensive but Darren was able to get sponsorship to pay for it, as well as coaching equipment such as footballs, cones and bibs.

He has also had training in first aid.

Successful

During his coaching career Darren has taken Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 14s and has been (in his own words!) fairly successful.

He loves doing the job and sees the club in successful hands, he likes it because he believes it keeps kids off the street. Darren says he will be in the job for a while yet and hopes to improve. 

The club meets on a Wednesday night at 6pm to 7pm at the Astroturf at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, and it costs £1.50 a night.