September 2026

Mike Phelan Coaching is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA).

It brings together two organisations built on the same belief that developing people is what drives football forward. Throughout the multi-year partnership, we'll be working alongside ISFA and its member schools to support coaches, players and football programmes right across the independent schools sector.

"We're delighted to partner with ISFA and support the fantastic work they are doing across independent schools. Developing coaches is at the heart of what we do, and this partnership gives us a great opportunity to share our experience, support coaches and ultimately help create better experiences for young players. We're really looking forward to working with the ISFA community and building something that has a lasting impact."

- Mike Phelan, Founder, Mike Phelan Coaching

Supporting the people behind the players

Good player development starts with the people coaching them, week in, week out. That's the thinking behind everything we do at Mike Phelan Coaching.

We don't turn up with an off-the-shelf programme. We start by listening, to the school, the staff, the players and understanding what they're actually trying to achieve. Then we build our support around that.

Through the ISFA partnership, schools and coaches will have access to:

• Coach development and CPD opportunities
• Coach education and masterclasses
• Personalised player development support
• Technical and tactical education
• ISFA talent ID days and support towards the national squads
• In-school football and educational workshops
• Camps and player experiences
• Match analysis and performance support
• Player, parent and staff specific education

Whether we're helping a Head of Football shape a clear coaching methodology, giving coaches practical solutions for the pitch, working directly with players, or running sessions for parents and staff, our aim is to provide support that makes a genuine difference.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mike Phelan Coaching as a Strategic Partner. Their commitment to supporting coach development across our member schools aligns perfectly with ISFA's mission to raise standards, inspire young people, and strengthen football provision across the independent sector. This partnership will bring meaningful value to our community."

- Ian Bent, ISFA Head of Football Operations

An experienced coaching team

Mike Phelan Coaching is built around Mike's own experience in the game, alongside a growing team of professional coaches and football educators.

This includes Neil Harris who brings significant experience from professional and academy football, and his knowledge of player development adds another valuable perspective to the work we'll be doing with ISFA. The team expertise spans different levels of the game, which means the support we offer stays practical, relevant and grounded in how coaching actually works day to day.

More than coaching sessions

We're not here to simply deliver one-off sessions or events. Our aim is to become a trusted part of the schools we work with, on hand with the expertise and experience to help wherever it counts most.

That could be through a coach or player development day, a tactical workshop or an education programme for staff and parents. Whatever a school needs, we'll work out how best to deliver it, together.

Better supported coaches, create better experiences for players and that's what this partnership is all about.

We're genuinely excited about what this partnership with ISFA will bring, and we're looking forward to working closely with the ISFA team and member schools in the months and years ahead.