James McCayna

With over three decades immersed in football—as a player from the age of five, through county-level and semi-professional competition, and now as a coach—I bring a lifelong passion for the game and a proven track record in developing young talent.

Currently, I coach the Under 8s at Slough Town Academy (JPL League), where I was head-hunted for my ability to nurture and guide players. During my tenure, our team has been invited to compete against Category 1 & 2 academies, and I am proud that one of my players has been signed by QPR, while my goalkeeper is currently progressing through Chelsea, Brentford, and Spurs academies.

Previously, as Head Coach of Ascot United Under 7s, I managed the A team independently, leading them to a 3rd-place league finish and a semi-final in the Saturday Cup. On Sundays, I coached Eton Wick FC Under 7s to a Thames Valley League Division 1 championship, with two players signing for Southampton FC Academy. These experiences highlight my ability to inspire young players, develop their technical and tactical skills, and support them in reaching academy levels.

I am currently enrolled in the UEFA C Licence and have completed Level 1 Coaching and Level 1 Scouting (Talent ID), alongside First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications. My goal is to continue progressing through the full UEFA and FA coaching pathway and contribute meaningfully to the development of future elite footballers.

Passionate and driven football coach with a lifelong dedication to the game, beginning at age

five and progressing through county-level and semi-professional football. I bring a strong

blend of playing knowledge, teaching ability, and player-focused development.

Specialising in nurturing young talent, I focus on building confident, technically skilled

players and creating environments for growth both on and off the pitch. My coaching

philosophy centres on long-term development, structured training, and motivating players to

reach academy standards.

Highly ambitious, disciplined, and committed to progressing through the full FA/UEFA coach pathway 

Slough Town Academy – Under 8s Coach (JPL League) | June 2025 – Present

• Head-hunted due to coaching reputation and player development success.

• Lead coach for U8 JPL squad, delivering high-level training within a professional

academy pathway.

• Team invited to compete against multiple Category 1 & 2 academies.

• Players progressed to professional academies:

o 1 player signed by QPR

o Goalkeeper at Chelsea, Brentford & Spurs awaiting contracts

• Known for building technically strong, fearless, and intelligent young players.

Ascot United – Head Coach, Under 7s (A Team) | Aug 2024 – June 2025

• Sole manager of U7 A squad in a competitive grassroots environment.• Designed and delivered weekly training sessions focusing on ball mastery, tactical

awareness, and confidence-building.

• Guided team to 3rd place in the league and semi-final of the Saturday Cup.

• Promoted a positive, winning mentality while maintaining player enjoyment and

development.

Eton Wick FC – Coach, Under 7s (Grassroots) | 2024 – 2025 (Sundays)

• Coached U7 squad to Thames Valley League Division 1 Championship.

• Developed players to academy standards: 2 players signed by Southampton FC

Academy.

RB Refurbishment Ltd – Owner / Manager | 2019 – Current

• Founded and run a successful refurbishment business managing multiple projects and

clients.

• Oversaw scheduling, budgeting, quality control, and team management.

• Developed leadership, organisation, and communication skills directly transferable to

managing football squads.

• Built strong professional relationships demonstrating reliability and attention to detail.

 UEFA C Licence – Currently Enrolled

• FA Introduction to Coaching Football (Level 1) – Completed

• Level 1 Scouting (Talent ID) – Completed

• First Aid in Football – 31/12/2024

• Safeguarding Children – 11/09/2025

• DBS – Completed