Meet The Team
Zico
Zico was named after a Brazilian football legend who is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the world in his era. Zico got to meet his namesake when invitied out to Brazil to play in a charity match after a Brazilian TV network became aware of a Guernsey footballer named after the Brazilian great. Zico played and scored at the famous Maracana stadium.
Zico was born in Guernsey and grew up on the island before moving to the UK to pursue a dream of becoming a professional footballer at 16 years old. During his playing career Zico has made close to 1000 non-league appearances, these have included spells in the Irish Premier League with Glenavon FC, Australia and Spain.
Zico’s international career included caps for Northern Ireland at Under 18 & Under 21 level and he was called up for the Northern Ireland ‘B’ squad on 1 occasion. He played in the FA cup 3rd round twice and the first round over 5 times. Zico has tested himself against several Premier League sides in cups and pre-season games.
Zico played for Guernsey at every age group apart from the Under 21’s as he was playing professionally at that point. Zico returned to the island and continued playing for Guernsey FC where he was part of the original team that gained 2 successful promotions, he went on to make over 200 appearances for the club. With the Guernsey Senior Mens he won 2 x Muratti’s and played in 4 Island Games, winning Gold, 2 Silver medals and 1 Bronze. Zico still plays for Guernsey FC and has represented a host of Priaulx league clubs over the years.
His coaching experience started at age 17 when he started coaching soccer schools for Morecambe FC and worked in the community coaching at primary and secondary school delivering PE lessons. During his time in the UK he completed a host of football coaching qualifications which include the FA level 1, 2 and UEFA B licence. Zico also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and a Level 5 Leadership and Management qualification.
Qualifications
- Level 2 Qualified Coach
- First Aid Qualified
- Safeguarding (welfare) Qualified
- DBS certified
Chris set up and restarted the minis section at Belgrave Wanderers. There had been no minis structure for many years prior to this so it was a great achievement and lots of hard work. He is now first team manager at Belgrave Wanderers.
Chris Le Friec – Welfare Officer
Coaches: Jacob Fallaize:
Jacob has played over 100 games for Guernsey FC and has won numerous individual awards. Jacob has also represented Guernsey at every level and he has also played in America & Australia.
Jacob specializes in defensive coaching. He will be running defensive sessions for ZFC Academy members and is available for private sessions. Jacob will also be at ZFC Elite Camps which will include defensive sessions. See sessions on website for more info to book in with Jacob for a private session either 1-1 or small groups. He is also available for Team training at local clubs.
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ZFC Goalkeeper Academy Coach: Paul better known as Digger within the Guernsey Football Community played has been a goalkeeper for the last 30 years
Guernsey Born Paul began his career in with Sylvans S.C. back in 1989.
Most of his Football playing career has been shared playing both on Island and in the UK.
Having started with trials with West Bromwich Albion back in the early 1990’s
During his career he has played at Crawley Town, Woking FC (National League) and was invited to trial at Sheffield Wednesday during a season long period. During his time with Sheffield Wednesday, Digger made several appearances for the Club’s Under 21 team and once for the Reserves in 1994/95 season.
During that same period Digger joined League two club Lincoln City on Loan providing cover to the 1st team keeper. During his stay he was on the bench for several English Football League 2 Games including the FA CUP 3rd Round tie against Premier League Team Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
During the latter years he had spells with Sylvans S.C and Northerners AC in between spells off Island as a semi-professional keeper with Hinckley Town FC, Trafford FC and Atherton LR
Digger finished his Football playing career with Guernsey FC making 23 appearances before retiring in 2013
Digger has represented Guernsey FA in every age group with 3 Senior Murratti appearances.
Since retiring Digger has forged a successful Coaching career spanning over the last 20 years through other sports namely Triathlon, Swimming and Cycling.
With his Strength and Conditioning background and love of football he brings a wealth of Coaching and playing experience to ZFC, which he wishes to share to the next generation of Guernsey goalkeepers.
Finley arrived back in Guernsey after spending a year playing football in the UK. He was playing for Eastleigh FC academy while also being signed on and playing for semi professional, non league club Sholing Fc. Prior to his year in England, Finley has also captained the u18 Guernsey Side to a Murratti victory in 2023 before going on to win the u21 Murratti the following season.
Finley’s goal is to share what he has learnt from playing full time football under high quality coaches in England to ZFC Academy players. Finley has a passion to make players the best version of themselves they can possibly be and hopes to support more ZFC players into full time football if that is their aspiration. Finley had previous coaching experience in Guernsey with reception and Year 1 groups and is keen to start his full time career in coaching whilst combining playing Non-League football for Guernsey FC.
GK Coach Reece Le Brun has been with ZFC for the past couple of months and has joined in a part time role. Reece works closely with ZFC Academy goalkeepers and has also been supporting Lead coaches in sessions, shadowing and inducting on the ZFC philosophy and values. Reece has played for a host of Guernsey sides having started senior football at a young age he now focuses on coaching. Head Coach Zico was impressed with Reece work with goalkeepers when working at a local club and is pleased to have Reece as part of the ZFC team.