Business Details
21 Years
experience
Sports Coaching for All Ages in Edinburgh
Play2Learn Sports Coaching was founded in Edinburgh by Dave Upton and Shane McCreevy in 2005 following their successful coaching partnership in New Jersey. Our team comprises part-time and full-time coaches, all First Aid trained, PVG Disclosured, and qualified across multiple sports. We employ a unique 'whole-part-whole' coaching methodology that prioritises match situations and player-led learning, fostering technical, tactical, psychological, and social development. Our coaches create dynamic environments where children aged 3+ engage in imaginative story-based games, small-sided football formats, and specialised sessions for goalkeepers and girls.We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards while delivering inclusive programmes for mainstream and disability participants, including partnerships with local schools and clubs like Boroughmuir Thistle FC. Our Edinburgh-based operations span holiday camps, weekend sessions, and school-term programmes at Meggetland Sports Complex and Cargilfield School.
Services
Football Camps
Birthday Parties
Futsal Sessions
Team Training
Disability Coaching
Girls Only Football
1-1 Training
Nursery Sessions
Saturday AM Football
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Experienced coaches with PVG disclosure and multi-sport qualifications
- Innovative 'whole-part-whole' coaching methodology for effective learning
- Established partnerships with local schools and football clubs
- Inclusive programmes for mainstream and disability participants
- Dedicated child safeguarding protocols and first aid trained staff
Associations and certifications
- PVG Scheme
What people say
Loved it
Fantastic coaches
Excited to go every morning
Thriving environment
Action packed parties
Services
Football Camps
Play2Learn Sports Coaching's Edinburgh football camps deliver structured fun for ages 3-12 through themed sessions combining technical drills and imaginative play. Our Meggetland Sports Complex and Cargilfield School venues host seasonal programmes with qualified coaches ensuring skill development in match-realistic environments. Participants receive equipment and engage in progressive learning frameworks that build confidence and technical proficiency.
Disability Coaching
Specialist coaching sessions address diverse needs through partnerships with Edinburgh schools and football organisations. Our PVG-disclosed coaches create adapted environments using modified equipment and techniques to ensure accessibility for all abilities. Programmes align with national football development frameworks while maintaining focus on individual progress and enjoyment.
Girls Only Football
Dedicated sessions for girls aged 3-12 develop football skills within supportive environments. As coach coordinators for Boroughmuir Thistle Girls FC, we provide structured pathways from micro-soccer to senior teams. Our Edinburgh-based programmes use age-appropriate formats and female role models to encourage long-term participation in football.
1-1 Training
Personalised football coaching addresses individual technical requirements for ages 3-12. Our Edinburgh coaches focus on specific skills like dribbling and shooting through tailored drills. Sessions include equipment provision and progress tracking within our established player development framework.
Nursery Sessions
Imaginative story-based football games introduce sport fundamentals to Edinburgh children aged 3+. Using cartoon themes and superhero narratives, our PVG-disclosed coaches develop motor skills and social interaction through structured play. Sessions include age-appropriate equipment and safety-focused environments.
People
Dave Upton
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 20+ years sports coaching experience, specialising in youth development and innovative training methodologies. Holds multiple coaching qualifications and oversees programme design.
Shane McCreevy
Co-Founder
Co-founder instrumental in establishing Edinburgh operations. Manages day-to-day coaching delivery and maintains safeguarding standards across all programmes for children aged 3-12.
Matthew
Coach
Qualified coach specialising in holiday camps and festive programmes. Provides technical instruction while maintaining engaging environments for Edinburgh's young participants.
Questions
What age groups do your football camps cater for?
Our Edinburgh football camps accommodate children from preschool age (3 years) up to Primary 7 (12 years).
Do you offer sports coaching during school holidays?
Yes, we run festive and summer holiday football camps at Meggetland Sports Complex and Cargilfield School in Edinburgh.
What should participants bring to sessions?
Bring appropriate sports clothing, astro turf trainers/boots, shin pads, water bottle, and weather-appropriate gear.
Are your coaches qualified to work with children?
All our Edinburgh-based coaches hold PVG disclosure, first aid certification, and multi-sport coaching qualifications.
Do you provide sports coaching for children with disabilities?
Yes, we offer specialist sessions through partnerships with local schools and organisations like The S.F.A.
