Beeks rewarded with badge of endurance

Mar 11 2009 By Jacob Murtagh, Staines News

A Staines football coach has finally got his UEFA 'A' Licence, 10 years after starting the course.

Thirty-seven-year-old Steve Beeks put his career on hold a decade ago to care for his son, Aaron, who has a serious heart condition.

But Ashford-born Beeks, who played in the Football League with Aldershot, passed the coveted course in Wales last month.

He said: "I started at Lilleshall in 1999, but didn't get the time to finish it.

"I needed to pass the assessment, but Aaron was born with a heart problem.

"His twin brother Scott was fine, and life was traumatic at the time. Aaron wasn't given much hope, and caring for him was more important.

"Getting the licence was my inspiration when I started coaching 20 years ago, and for the last two years I made it my goal.

"It's fantastic, and a result of hard work and dedication."

Beeks threw in the towel at Ryman One South outfit Molesey in 2006 to concentrate on gaining the badge, which has a pass rate between 10-30 per cent.

Hull City striker Dean Windass was among those on his course, as well as former Leeds United and Bradford defender Dave Wetherall, and ex-Newcastle and England centre-back Steve Howie.

Football-mad Beeks is head coach at Stanmore College in north London, and is also chief scout at Blue Square South title-favourites AFC Wimbledon.

He runs soccer schools in the Spelthorne area, and helped unearth talent like former Chelsea youngsters Phil and James Younghusband, and AFC Bournemouth's Daniel Hollands.

Beeks had a successful stint in charge of Combined Counties side Cove, who he helped to a league and cup double.

However, he sees his career in coaching instead of the managerial hotseat.

He added: "I don't think I'll go back into management.

"I'm mainly interested in coaching, but I'm really enjoying scouting at the moment.

"I've known AFC boss Terry Brown for years, as well as his assistant Stuart Cash from our time at Aldershot."

Beeks has been running tours for Spelthorne youngsters to Finland for the 14 years.

He's on the lookout for new talent aged 11-18 for future trips abroad. Anyone interested should email steve@stevebeekssoccerschool.co.uk