handsleading.com

Leon Othen set up the Hands Leading Goalkeeping School with Co-founder Micky Vowles (ex Chelsea pro) back in 1998.

The aim of the school was to provide quality goalkeeping coaching to a small group ensuring individual attention to each goalkeeper.

The formula of an older head and younger one - striker and actual goalkeeper proved a success with the emergence of Wesley Jackman, one of our first students progressing to go to and win the South Korea 2002 World Cup for the England Learning Disabilities team.

The specialist training proved popular and Leon set up Goalkeeping clinics in Enfield, Chigwell, Leyton, Loughton, Chelmsford and Harlow.

There is enormous pride at large number of goalkeepers that have progressed to professional clubs. These include Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspurs, West Ham, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, Southend, Leyton Orient.

Our goalkeepers have also had the opportunity to be seen by or had trials at the following other clubs: Manchester Utd, Nottingham Forest, Coventy, Plymouth Argyle and Ford Utd.

Whilst Leon was co owner of Foundation Football, the Hands Leading Goalkeeping School became the official goalkeeping school and introduced the "Shooters & Stoppers" course for Foundation Football, London's biggest independent Coaching company and winner of London Business Award 2010.

Hands Leading expanded in 2005 when Chris Symons took over UK operations whilst Leon coached in America. The methodology and enthusiastic coaching went down a storm and won Leon the "Dick Jones Coach of the Year" Award for MLS Camps.

Having taught hundreds of goalkeepers across England, Bermuda, East & West Coast America, Leon now works for UK International Soccer Camps and provides the Best Possible Soccer Experience to Players, Coaches, Parents and Players.

Leon has always had a close affiliation to his local pro team in London, Leyton Orient. 

Leon played schoolboy, youth team and Reserve team level for the team he supports and coached at the Centre of Excellence. He still has links with the Advanced School and scouted a number of grass roots players to advance to the Centre of Excellence.

Leon coached with Rachel Brown, England Ladies International Goalkeeper. Billy Lumley, goalkeeping star of the Glenn Hoddle Academy was a student.

Whilst in America he coached All American Antony who is now at CCSU. Brandon MacFarland, Greg Cumpstone and Theresa Pagnozzi

Leon's coaching experience is long and varied and includes the following.

COACHING / TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2010 - AYSO National Coach Instructor

2008 - Regional Director UK International Soccer Camps

2007 - Goalkeeping Director, Southeast Soccer Club, CT

2007 - Residential Camps Director MLS Camps

2006 - Goalkeeping Director MLS Camps

2005 - Director of coaching - EDYSL, CA

2000 — Director /Co - Founder Foundation Football . Providing coaching in 102 different schools, host 4 Advanced Coaching Centres, Disabilities program and provide coaching links with Malaysia and the US as well as Pro teams in the UK

2002 — 2003 U18 Youth team coach — Saffron Waldon F.C.

2002 Teaching instructor — Merryhills Primary School

2002 Provided coaching to the Education Ministry of Malaysia (in Kuala Lumpa) to kick start their youth soccer programme in schools.

2000 — 2001 Arsenal Football Club — Academy Goalkeeping Coach.

1997 — 2001 Leyton Orient Football Club — Advanced Soccer School Coach.

1999 Major League Soccer. Summer Coach and fall trainer, residing in New York State, USA

1998 - Leyton Orient Football Club - Centre of Excellence Goalkeeping Coach

1996 — 1999 Douglas Eyre Sports Centre — Duty Manager and Tournament Organiser.

^{FA QUALIFICATIONS & AWARDS}

2010 - AYSO National Coach Instructor

2010 - NSCAA Advanced National GK Diploma

2009 - NSCAA State GK License

2008 - AYSO U6, U8, U10, U12 & Intermediate Certification & Coach Instructor

2007 - Guest Speaker at Hamilton Parish Awards Ceromony

2007 - CJSA Sportsmanship Award

2006 - Guest Coach at Soccer Maine Convention

^{2006 - MLSC Coach of the Year Award for 2005}

^{2005 - Strengths Based Coach member}

2005 - Community Sports Leader Tutor

2003 - FA Goalkeeping Licence (Held at England Team Camp)

2000 - UEFA Coaching Licence (B) involving 48 hours advanced coaching, Sports psychology, nutrition, emergency first aid and drugs in sport.

1998 - LFA Goalkeeping Coaching Certificate

1997 - FA Coaching Certificate. 16 hours basic coaching, referee course and first aid.

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

Leyton Orient F.C., Public Bank (Kuala Lumpa), Westminster University, Representative player for Essex County. Clapton FC, Saffron Waldon FC, and Stansted FC Semi pro teams.

PLAYING AWARDS

Winning Captain. League Cup Final - Buckhurst Hill FC

Winning Captain. Regional Cup Final - Saffron Waldon FC

Managers Player of the Year - Hiberians FC

League Winners - Parmitarians AFC

South East Div 2 Cup Winners - Westminster University

National Cup Runner up - Essex County

Eidhoven Tournament Winners - Crownfield FC

League Cup Winner - Norlington

Managers Palyer of the Year - Beaumont

Players Player of the Year - Beaumont

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide an opportunity for every child to learn in an enjoyable environment, whilst enabling them to fulfil their potential to play at the highest possible level.