PROFILE PHIL
Philip Leonardus Walker (born August 29, 1954, in London) is a former English footballer, who played as a central midfielder.
Walker joined Millwall in 1975 from non-league Epsom & Ewell and established himself in the centre of the team’s midfield. One of the first notable black players in the club’s history, he garnered renown as a skilful player with excellent passing. He moved to Charlton Athletic in 1979 and remained there until 1983 when he briefly joined Hong Kong side Eastern AA.
Already aged 30, Walker joined Portugal’s Boavista FC, after spending half-a-season with Leixões SC, in the same country. He quickly established himself in the starting XI, being first-choice in the vast majority of his seven-season spell.
After four seasons with northern neighbours F.C. Maia, Walker retired aged 41, subsequently having a brief spell as a coach with his last club.
On returning to England, Phil has turned his focus to coaching the next generation. Developing children through his football school and personal training, Phil has helped many children reach their own personal goals at all levels of football. Phil has also witnessed a number of his students gaining places with academies such as Chelsea FC, Crystal Palace FC, Fulham FC and Reading FC.
This reputation has led to Phil working as a development coach for Fulham FC alongside his football school.
VISION
REACH YOUR GOAL
After a professional playing career in England and Portugal spanning 20 years, I have developed first hand a great understanding of how and why certain countries time and time again develop footballers with a superior technique.
At Phil Walker Football our goal is developing boys and girls of all ages to fulfil their potential, to play the game the right way - with a smile on their face. Our belief is that technique can be taught and technique is always superior to power or size.
Catering for boys and girls of all ages and ability levels, whether new to the game or an aspiring academy player, through our football school and one-to-one training, we can help your child to develop and reach their goal.
DEVELOPMENT
Maximise the Child’s Potential
Phil’s Soccer School is for boys and girls of all levels, aged 4 years and above. The sessions are broken down into age and ability levels so that your child can gain the best experience from our coaches.
Regardless of age, the key focus is enjoyment combined with developing a mastery of the ball. It is our belief that everything is possible given time, patience and practise, but it is imperative that this is all implemented with a smile and a love of the ball.
The sessions focus on individual technique, skills, balance and condition. Although the sessions are group orientated, as the children progress their development will be closely monitored and individual development will be a key feature to ensure that both the child and parents know the progress they are making.
Core areas of focus as the child develops will include:
– Use of both feet (balance and symmetry)
– Comfort on the ball (touch and confidence)
– Technical understanding (awareness of others as well as their own capability)
Our aim is to maximise the child’s potential, to teach them to believe in themselves and their ability.
