Theo Pitsiaeli

I am a caring and inclusive sports coach dedicated to ensuring all children—regardless of age, ability or need—can enjoy and participate in sport. With a background in sports coaching and a degree in psychology, I combine an understanding of child development with effective coaching, allowing me to support each child with sensitivity and empathy. I am truly passionate about developing both the player and the person, using sport to build confidence, resilience and the value of teamwork.

I always strive to create a positive environment where every child can grow and thrive, both within sport and as individuals.

Lead Sports Coach at KIKO Soccer Schools, Surrey (2023-10 – Present)

• Delivered PE curriculum lessons for KS1 in local primary schools, teaching fundamental sporting movements, skills and techniques whilst adapting for varying abilities to maximise participation and enjoyment.
• Planned and delivered weekly lunchtime and afterschool multi-sports clubs within local independent and state primary schools, covering an extensive range of sports within KS1 and KS2.
• Coached the football training sessions for the KIKO FC grassroots boys and girls teams ranging from u8s to u15s, focusing on technical and tactical development as well as building teamwork, fitness and resilience.
• Led nursery and early years football sessions (18 months to 4.5 years) developing fundamental motor skills and footballing techniques in a fun, engaging and patient environment.
• Demonstrated a strong ability to adapt behaviour management, communication and session planning to suit a wide range of ages and abilities, whilst building strong relationships with pupils, teachers and parents.

Sales Assistant at Next Retail Company, Bournemouth (2022-10 – 2023-08)

• Provided exceptional customer service whilst adapting my communication to meet the various needs of the customer.
• Maintained organisation, adaptability and composure in a busy, fast-paced retail environment, especially during peak trading periods.

Volunteer Assistant Football Coach at AFC Bournemouth - Community Sports Trust (2021-11 – 2023-01)

• Supported football coaching in weekly inclusive sessions with players challenged with various learning, behavioural and physical disabilities.
• Developed interpersonal and communicative skills with children of various ages in a child centred, SEND environment.
• Working as part of a coaching team to plan, set up and run football sessions to suit the special and specific needs of the players, promoting their participation, enjoyment and confidence.
• Developed a strong understanding of social, cognitive and emotional development in children, as well as language and problem solving.
• Acquired an acute awareness of how sports and play have a crucial role in emotional regulation in children as well as developing social skills, resilience and self-confidence.
• Gained an insight into the psychology of behaviour management strategies such as using positive reinforcement and a clear structure to maximise engagement.
• Refined knowledge of inclusive practice surrounding SEND such as autism and ADHD.

BSc (Hons) in Psychology – Bournemouth University (2019-09 – 2022-06)

A-Levels in Psychology, Geography and Maths – Boxhill School, Surrey (2017-09 – 2019-06)

GCSEs in Maths and English, and grade A in P.E – Boxhill School, Surrey (2014-09 – 2017-06)