WMF are delighted to announce the latest addition to our Franchise Owner Network: Chris Mason! Chris will be launching the 10th WMF franchise in Sussex, with his first venue in Worthing. Chris is a former Arsenal Coach with International experience, we hope that he can bring his coaching expertise and football knowledge to help players of all abilities become the best they can be!

When did coaching start for you?

My coaching journey began in 2011 when I travelled to the Middle East to work for Arsenal FC in their grassroots development program. I spent 8 years in the Middle East comprised of 2 years in Bahrain, 4 years in Kuwait, and then 2 years in Dubai.

I started as a Volunteer Coach in Bahrain, then worked my way up to becoming a Coach in Kuwait, and finally a Senior Coach in Dubai.

What are some of the highlights from your travels and coaching experience?

As the years went by I gained more responsibility and even organised an international tournament with Arsenal Soccer Schools in which teams from different Middle Eastern countries participated. I also gained valuable experience working alongside and learning from Ex-professional players and accomplished coaches.

Through the Arsenal Programme, I was also lucky enough to meet a number of professional players and learn from that environment.

You contacted us about starting your own business in the football industry from Australia, what were you up to over there?

In 2016, I moved to Australia to work as Head Coach at Elite Soccer Schools and Sydney University FC’s Skills Acquisition Program; also known as “SAP”.

SAP is comparable to the Talent ID program but in Australia, it is for the National Premier League (Australia’s second tier).

So, now you’re back in the UK what are the next steps for your coaching journey?

I have been working with League Two club Crawley Towns Elite and development program for some time and have really enjoyed my time there. All these different experiences have led me to believe that I’m now ready to launch my own football coaching business and I’m so excited for the next part of my journey!

My coaching journey has been about continuous development and always seeking out the next challenge. I’m very excited to be bringing the knowledge and skill set that I have acquired through my travels and international experience and applying it in my home country.

My goal is to develop young footballers and help them on their own football journey wherever that may take them.

Chris Mason is the 10th We Make Footballers Franchise Owner and we can’t wait to see him launch WMF SUSSEX! He’ll be kicking things off on the 15th of September with his Talent ID – good luck Chris!