Meet the Coaches
Rest assured that at DS Coaching, all our coaches undergo rigorous training and screening processes to ensure the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and expertise. Here's what you can expect from our coaching team:
P.E. Teacher, A License, Qualified Personal Trainer, IFA Youth License
Derek Sharpe
Derek began his coaching journey at Liverpool John Moores University. After graduating, he moved to New York to coach with Graham Brown for six months. Upon returning, Derek joined the Irish Football Association as a Primary Schools Coach, delivering physical literacy skills to children in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Derek's coaching experience includes working with the 2002 age group at Ballinamallard and serving as Youth Coordinator at Enniskillen Rangers, where he led the 1997 age group to victory in the BKYL. He also managed the County Fermanagh Under 17 squad at the NI Milk Cup, winning a prestigious tournament trophy for the Erne county.
Returning to Ballinamallard, Derek became the reserve team coach, nurturing players who went on to play in the Irish Premiership. He then took on the role of Academy Director and led the Under 19s to the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final. From 2016 to 2019, Derek worked as a Youth Development Coordinator for the IFA, supporting and mentoring coaches at Irish League academies including Portadown, Glenavon, Dungannon, and Sion Swifts Ladies.
IFA National Coaching Certificate
Mark Beacom
Throughout my 8+ years of coaching I've coached from as young as 5 all the way up to 45 years old. I've been everything from a water boy to official head coach. It has its ups & down, but overall & more often than not, incredibly rewarding.I've been asked why I got into coaching & for me, it all stems back to my school days. Two teachers giving up thier free time to coach me. Mr. Bruce for 1 to 1 sessions in athletics & Mr. Gamble for football on a Saturday morning. It's only years later you realise how important people like that really are in your life.I've been extremely lucky to have met some really top professional coaches on my journey so far. It has been one of continuous learning.I'm a firm believer that the environment you create is more important than complicated game plans & tactics
UEFA B Part 1 Coach
Marc McCleery
Marc began his coaching journey with Fivemiletown United, coaching the 1999 squad and helping to develop a number of players that have gone on to be regulars in the first team. He then took on a role as an assistant coach with the 2002 team, helping them to consecutive second place finishes in the BKYL. He then again decided to take on his own team again with the 2003 age group again with success in pushing players to senior football with Peter Campbell now playing with the Ballinamallard first team. After a spell helping out at the Valley driving school, Marc felt the need to start to progress and soon found Ballinamallard United calling and made the move to be an assistant coach again and helping the 2005 squad to second place in the NIBFA Cup. With so many near misses it seemed success was not too far away and so it proved to be when assistant Alistair Irwin the 2006 squad won the BKYL a year young and this was followed up with the 2007 team also winning the league a year young with Marc taking over midway through the season while also finishing his UEFA C Diploma.Currently, Marc is still with the 07 squad and in June 2022 joined the group here at DS coaching and in October 2022 joined the Rangers soccer Academy NI
UEFA B License
Óisín Mag Uidhir
Oisin is 19 years old and began coaching at just 11 years old!
Through his time at Enniskillen Athletic Oisin coached all ages from 11-16. Oisin has also coached U14's and U15's at Ballinamallard FC.
In July 2023 Oisin will commence his UEFA B Licence and would be one of the youngest holders of the certificate in the country.
Oisin is also involved in part time work with the IFA working with regional development centres, shooting stars and various other programmes. Oisin also coaches with Co.Fermanagh U15s for the Super Cup NI
Oisin currently attends Edge Hill University and during his time in England Oisin coaches at Wigan Athletic Academy
IFA National Coaching Certificate
Matthew Armstrong
Matty started his playing days at NFC Kesh before moving to Ballinamallard United FC to play in the National League. He was involved with the Club NI 2008 programme for a number of years.
NSCAA D License
Niall Owens
Niall currently plays as a winger for Irish Premier League Club Dungannon Swifts.
Niall came through the youth system at Ballinamallard United, representing both County Fermanagh and Northern Ireland at various age groups before moving to the USA on a football scholarship where he attended California State University and played for Bakersfield in NCAA Division One.
IFA National Coaching Certifcate
Lewis Loughlin
I have had a interest in coaching for many years now and believe in the importance of developing talent at a young age. My coaching career has included working for the IFA at small sided games in Fermanagh and Omagh, coaching a junior side in the BKYL and of course DS Coaching.I have a thorough interest in playing football as well as coaching which allows me to transfer over importance knowledge. I currently play for Ballinamallard and have done since 2016 and currently represent the U18’s , I have represented Northern Ireland at U16 and U17 level and played in the Super Cup NI on 2 occasions for Ballinamallard and County Tyrone. I have also been successful in Athletics by winning 100m gold at Ulster championships at U16 and many more medals between the 100m and 200m. Athletics also plays a big part in football due to the speed and agility element of the game.My coaching qualifications include Level 1 NCC coaching award which I obtained at 16 years old. Lewis won the IFA Regional Young Coach of the Year in 2023
Highly Trained Coaches
Our coaches are meticulously selected for their qualifications, experience, and expertise in football coaching.
Access NI Checks
At DS Coaching, our coaches are trained in child protection to ensure a safe environment for young athletes.
First Aid Training
Our coaches have first aid training to prioritize the well-being and safety of all participants, handling injuries and emergencies during training sessions.
Child Protection Courses
At DS Coaching, we prioritize the safety of young athletes. Our coaches are trained in child protection to ensure the welfare of children under their supervision.
