NEW SPACES
For 2025-26 season
👉 Register your interest in our upcoming open day 👈
OUR CHILDREN'S FOOTBALL TEAMS
For 2025-26 season
U7-U15s
For young footballers who have decided football is their main hobby! 1hr training sessions per week and matches on Saturday mornings, plus the option to train with our best coaches in our Elite Style Training.
Training
Wednesday 6-8pm (1hr)
OR
Thursday 6-8pm (1hr)
Optional Elite Style Training
Mondays or Tuesdays 6-8pm (1hr)
Match Day
Saturday mornings
WHAT MAKES OUR CLUB SPECIAL?
Here at SZ United FC we want to make your child's first football team a lifelong memory where they will make friends, develop as a footballer at their own pace, and enjoy a football environment that is centred around children and NOT adults 💭
⭐️ We believe that the right football team environment will have a long lasting effect on your child's long term development as they grow into adulthood - teaching togetherness, how to be confident and most importantly teaching great social skills ⭐️
📍 Top facilities - training home ground
⚽️ Option to Train twice per week + matches on weekend
💻 Easy manageable monthly payments
⭐️ Partnership with Premier League pro club through our chairman
🙂 Syllabus designed to improve footballers, teamwork, and social skills
👍 UEFA Qualified senior management team
⏩ Player pathways supporting your football journey no matter your ability
💙 A focused activity for your child to be part of long term
MORE ABOUT OUR CLUB!
TRAINING GROUND
We train at two nearby venues:
📍Monks Hill Sports Centre
Farnborough Avenue
South Croydon
📍Royal Russell School
Coombe Lane, Croydon, CR9 5BX
HOME GROUND
Our home ground is located at:
Beddington Cricket Club
Church Road
Wallington, SM6 7NH
PRO CLUB PARTNERSHIP
Through our founders role at a Premier League Academy, as a coach for their u9s-u12s, we have a direct link with a local Premier League pro club.
Opportunities may come up for our players who are showing real promise in their football development.
UEFA MANAGEMENT TEAM
Our senior management team; Ashley Thomas, and Valentino De Luca are both UEFA B licensed coaches who design and implement our programme to the entire club.
Does Your Club Have This Experience Leading It?
We are passionate about making a difference in children's lives through football! The club has been built through everything we have learnt through our own experiences growing up playing, and years of coaching children!
ASHLEY THOMAS
FOUNDER
Ashley is the heart behind our club – the founder and driving force behind our child-focused football mission.
From day one, his goal has been crystal clear: create a fun, positive, and empowering environment where children can truly thrive.
A UEFA B Licensed coach since the age of just 20, Ashley brings elite-level experience to the table. His coaching journey includes time with Fulham FC Academy (U9–U12s) and the Chelsea FC Foundation – talk about learning from the best!
Beyond running our club, Ashley is also the Director of Skillz UK Ltd, Croydon’s largest and most impactful football programme. Day-to-day, he works closely with our Chairman, helping shape the future direction of the club and ensuring we’re always improving.
BEN SMITH
CHAIRMAN
Ben has been with us since the very beginning – a true club OG. He’s worn many hats, starting out as an age group manager and rising through the ranks thanks to his passion, dedication, and shared belief that children’s football should always be about the kids.
Every child is unique, and Ben champions the idea that success looks different for everyone. In late 2023, he stepped into the Academy Manager role and has recently been promoted to Chairman – a move that’s already had a massive impact across the club.
Ben works closely with Ashley and the management team to keep our culture strong and our environment amazing for players, coaches, and families alike.
ASHLEY GUMBRELL
HEAD OF COACHING
Ashley (yes, another Ashley – we’re lucky like that!) joined our team in January 2024, and he’s been a total game-changer since day one.
His mission? Support our managers and Skillz UK coaching team, and help everyone stay aligned with our philosophy. Through coach development and curriculum growth, he’s making sure our football DNA is consistent across every age group.
He’s got some serious credentials too – a Lecturer in Performance Football Coaching at St Mary’s University, UEFA C License Tutor for The FA, UEFA B License holder, FA Youth Award graduate, and over 17 years of coaching experience. In short, your kids are in expert hands.
VALENTINO DE LUCA
Age Group Co-Ordinator
Valentino is back! After a short break, he’s rejoined our club and we couldn’t be happier. A vital part of our success in the past, he helped open doors for countless local kids to play competitive football.
One of his standout achievements? Forging a partnership with a pro club in Italy, giving our players a unique opportunity to experience football beyond borders.
Valentino holds a UEFA B License, is on the verge of completing his UEFA A, and brings a decade of coaching experience to our setup. He now leads key age groups within the club – and we’re excited to see the magic he brings once again.
AFFIQ LATHIEFF
AGE GROUP CO-ORDINATOR
Affiq has been a brilliant addition to our coaching team since joining two seasons ago.
Known for his energy, enthusiasm, and deep football knowledge, he’s made a big impact – especially in our Skillz Soccer School, where both players and parents love his sessions.
His coaching style is fun, engaging, and focused on player development, creating a positive environment where kids thrive.
Now stepping into the role of Age Group Coordinator, Affiq will work closely with managers and players to support growth, guide development, and ensure our club philosophy runs through every session. A true asset to the team!
