The Gaffa
Tom Cudworth is a registered FA, UEFA B Licensed, Level 3 football coach, and a former professional footballer who played for Coventry City FC. With experience in playing and coaching in the UK, Australia, and the USA, Tom currently serves as the Men's Football Team coach at The University of Warwick.
Background:
During his professional tenure with Coventry City FC, Tom made numerous appearances in the Barclays Premier Reserve League. As an Academy Player, he also captained Coventry City Youth Team, leading them to two successive FA Youth Cup finals against West Ham United and Arsenal.
After leaving Coventry City, Tom ventured to the United States, joining the A League side The Atlanta Silverbacks. It was during this period that his passion for coaching emerged, and he actively contributed to the development of junior players at the club. Upon returning to England, Tom played for several semi-professional clubs while obtaining his Level 1 and Level 2 FA coaching certificates.
In 2008, Tom embraced an exciting opportunity to play and coach in Australia, joining the Brisbane-based football team, The Gap Gators. This role involved nurturing youth players and preparing them for men's football. Tom returned to the UK in 2009 and launched SoccerRockz.
In 2014, Tom completed the Level 3 UEFA Licence as part of the PFA professionals course at the England National Team HQ, St George's Park. Currently, he continues to serve as the Men's Football Team Coach at The University of Warwick. With extensive experience in delivering coaching sessions to both adults and children, Tom identifies his strengths as preparation, patience, and positivity!
The Line Up
Craig Pead
Nickname: "Speed" 🏎️
Favourite Team: Coventry City ⚽
Favourite Player: Paul Gascoigne 🕺
Favourite Food: Chinese 🥢
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Encouraging creativity 🎨✨
Garry Mcsheffrey
Nickname: "Sheffers" 🏎️
Favourite Team: Coventry City ⚽
Favourite Player: Lueis Suarez 🕺
Favourite Food: Italian 🥢
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Passing on experience and seeing the improvements✨
Ryan O'sullivan
Nickname: "Speed" 🏎️
Favourite Team: Coventry City ⚽
Favourite Player: Steven Gerrard🕺
Favourite Food: Pizza 🥢
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Watching the players grow through coaching.✨
Corrie Ashmore
Nickname: "Corrie the Care Bear
Favourite Team: Man UTD ⚽
Favourite Player: Zlatant Ibrahimovic 🕺
Favourite Food: Pizza 🥢
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Children learning while having fun✨
Natasha Watson
Nickname: "Tasha" 🏎️
Favourite Team: Coventry City ⚽
Favourite Player: Luka Modric🕺
Favourite Food: Ben & Jerrys Cookie Dough🥢
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Helping others through the sport i love ✨
Bryon
Nickname: Balotelli
Favourite Team: Coventry City ⚽
Favourite Player: Mario Balotelli
Favourite Food: Chinese
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Helping players improve and have fun
Liam
Nickname: Rebound
Favourite Team: Liverpool⚽
Favourite Player: Stevie G
Favourite Food: Spicy Pizza
Favourite Aspect of Coaching:Encouraging players to be creative and helping them to discover new skills
Jevon
Nickname: Starboy
Favourite Team: Liverpool ⚽
Favourite Player: Jude Bellingham
Favourite Food: Nandos
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Helping players to learn and understand the game whilst having fun
Danny
Nickname: Bowesey
Favourite Team: Manchester United ⚽
Favourite Player: Neymar
Favourite Food: Jerk Chicken
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Seeing the children receive recognition and reward for their hard work and dedication.
Luke
Nickname: Slab Head
Favourite Team: Coventry City ⚽
Favourite Player: Jude Bellingham
Favourite Food: Roast Dinner
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Seeing a group you consistently coach improve, develp and enjoy their football
Liam
Nickname: Wingnuts
Favourite Team: Manchester United⚽
Favourite Player: Wayne Rooney
Favourite Food: Sweet Chilli Chicken Stir Fry
Favourite Aspect of Coaching: Seeing progress overtime both technically or simply their confidence or seeing the joy on the player face after getting player of the week