The Story So Far

Where the Story Began.

2010 - The Journey Begins. After playing in youth football across various different levels, Martin's playing career never took off as he would have hoped for. Whilst Martin's playing career never got off the ground, Martin turned to coaching.

Having placed so much value on the game as a child, Martin set about aid others in their journey's throughout sport. Starting employment in Primary Schools as a PE Teacher.

2012 - The Next Step. Delivering PE and 'Mini Kickers' session for 18 Month old children, gave Martin a healthy respect for players having a solid base known as the Fundamentals. The 'building blocks' for all sport - not just football.

With this new found knowledge, Martin set about increasing his expertise to understand what it takes to turn the 'building blocks' into Elite professionals, enrolling at the University of Central Lancashire.

2014 - The Football. Whilst studying at university and delivering Mini Kickers sessions, Martin was Employed as a sessional coach working for Vauxhall Motors FC. Looking after the boys Under 13's through to 15's and developing the Girls only set up within the club.

Both environments allowed Martin to put into practice the Coaching theories and methods, entering the girls in a league, reaching successive club finals whilst winning the league with the under 14's boys. A successful start but keen to progress

2016 - Getting Serious. After graduating University with a First Class Degree, Martin continued full time employment with Primary School PE and pushed to develop further. Employment from Crewe Alexandra Women followed. First as an Under 16's Head Coach, Under 18's and Development Squad Head Coach Combined with the role of Head of Youth Development. Developing players that were to debut for the first team or league to enter elite academy system's at the top level.

Now the understanding was there. What it takes for players to make the next step and how the players make steps to get there. Martin's Philosophy was starting to form.

2018 - The Big Change.

Martin started work with Wigan Athletic. A big changed that allowed him to see the inner workings of a professional club at the foundation phase. Experiencing a detailed club curriculum.

2019 - Sad to Go. After successful 3 years at Crewe Alexandra Women, Martin moved onto pastures new. Being awarded his first, First Team Head Coach Role at Chester FC Women. A change that presented many challenges, but very rewarding. Currently there longest serving manager, and reaching their highest ever league finish, combined with their furtherest FA Cup run to date. Eventually bowing out to Leeds United.

2024 - A New Era

After 5 years at Chester FC, Martin moved on to Wigan Athletic Women in their infancy year as Head Coach, working alongside FA Cup winning legend Emmerson Boyce. Martin And Emmerson were able to deliver a league title and a cup final in their first season.

2025 - The Fitzsimons Football Group in Born