Meet the coaches: Phil McKee

*Phil on the sidelines coaching our u16 Vikings*

Cut him and he bleeds green! Phil McKee is the definition of a one-club man. He represented Eagles as a player, started volunteering at Saturday Soccer aged 14 by 16 he was coaching his own team with his good friend Olly. This remarkable commitment was recognised by the club, awarding the young pair the Founders’ Trophy before they headed off to University. Fast forward a few years and Phil linked up with his old team again, now rather larger in stature, and has coached them from u14s through to the current season as u16s. Remarkably, four players who were with Phil at u8s are still playing for him today - which has got to be proof that he instilled some serious loyalty to Eagles in those early days! So meet a genuine club legend, Phil McKee…

Hi Phil, tell us what got you into football coaching…

I had to volunteer for my Bronze DofE while at school. I chose to volunteer at Eagles, where I’d played all through my school years, and have been doing it pretty much ever since apart from a short break for Uni!

Tell us about your own football background? Where does your love of the game come from and did you play a lot of football before becoming a coach?

I played for Eagles from about 6 to 14 years old, although not sure where my love of it comes from as my family isn’t particularly into it!

What team do you support and why?

I support Liverpool, because Steven Gerrard was my big footballing hero as a kid.

Have you ever met a famous footballer? If so, who?

I once stood near Paul Konchesky - greatest honour of my life!

What’s surprised you most about the experience of being a football coach?

It’s probably that, in the end, it’s less about football more about helping the players to become the best versions of themselves. I hope I’ve managed to contribute to that.

What’s the most difficult aspect of coaching a team and what’s the most rewarding?

You want to make sure what you’re offering is always interesting to the kids, you don’t want them to be standing around looking bored but sometimes that’s not easy to judge until you’re out on the training pitch. But when what you’ve been coaching clicks? That’s by far the most rewarding bit.

Tell us about your favourite moment as a coach so far.

The last day of the season when the team were under 8s I think… they suddenly turned into prime Barcelona!

What do you like about Canterbury Eagles?

That it’s a pillar of the community and connects so many people.

Who in particular at Canterbury Eagles has helped you in your coaching journey?

There are and have been loads of great people at the club. Paul and Neil were great help when I started, as was Danny. More recently Dan and Gavin provide all the support anyone could possibly need! Special mention to my friend Olly. We coached together for years from when we were about 14 and he’s probably helped more than anyone.

*Phil (right) with Olly and Dan after winning the Faversham and District League u14 Plate in 2022*

What would you say to someone considering getting involved in coaching youth football?

It can be stressful and hard work but it’s the best thing you will do. It opens up a whole new chapter in your life! If coaching is something you want to do then go for it. Follow your dreams and never give up on them!

What one thing would you like to change about grassroots football?

I wish there were more funding for grassroots football.

Finally, what do you hope your players get out of playing for Eagles?

Most of all, I hope they have fun memories when looking back at their time with the club.