We’re proud to be a community-built organisation. Many of our coaches started out attending our sessions as children and have now come full circle, training, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation.
about us
Our Story
The Skills Academy was founded in 1998 by Mike Delaney, during his time playing football professionally and working on football campaigns alongside legends such as Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo (R9).
What began as a way to share his love of the game with local children soon grew into a trusted coaching organisation, built on fun, high-quality sessions delivered by FA-qualified coaches in partnership with schools across Orpington and Bromley.
Over the years, The Skills Academy has also run popular sports camps in Germany, Austria, and China. Nearly 30 years on, its focus remains the same: giving children the very best coaching in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Meet the Team
OUR mission
We believe that sport is about more than just skills on the pitch.
Our mission is to use sport as a tool for personal growth and development by creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where every child can enjoy themselves, build their confidence, and learn together.
OUR VALUES
POSITIVITY
We celebrate effort and teamwork, and create an uplifting environment where children thrive.
SAFETY & TRUST
Every coach is FA Qualified, DBS checked, Emergency First Aid and Child Protection Certified.
FUN-FIRST
We put fun at the heart of everything we do, because when kids are having fun, they learn and grow.