About Us
Mission Statement
At Headstart Sports Coaching, our mission is to inspire, motivate, and empower young people through high-quality sports provision. We deliver dynamic, engaging, and inclusive coaching to schools and communities, ensuring every child—regardless of ability or background—has the opportunity to be active, grow in confidence, and discover a lifelong love for movement. We exist to give every young person a true Headstart in their physical, social, and emotional development.
Our Ethos
At the heart of Headstart Sports Coaching is a commitment to creating positive, active, and opportunity-rich environments where children can thrive.
We believe in:
Inclusivity – Every child deserves a chance to participate, flourish, and feel valued.
Inspiration – We strive to spark passion and enthusiasm through energetic, engaging coaching sessions.
Community Impact – We bring sport to areas starved of activity opportunities, strengthening communities through movement and play.
Development Beyond Sport – We use sport as a vehicle to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth.
Professionalism & Quality – Our coaches deliver safe, structured, and rewarding experiences across a diverse range of sports and activities.
Together, we aim to create active futures, one young person at a time.
Vision Statement
14+
Sports & Activities
500+
Sports Coaching Programs Delivered
Headstart Sports Coaching is a passionate and dynamic sports coaching company offering affordable sports programs for the past 10+ years to all ages and abilities of Primary School children and the Wider Communities
Affordable sports programs to all ages and abilities of Primary Schools children and Local Communities.
Based in Westmeath, we have worked and are currently working with over 25+ National Schools in Westmeath, Meath and Longford! Our aspiring company is currently expanding into various counties in Ireland, with the aim of delivering our unique, tailored made Sports Coaching Programs in every single county in Ireland!
Partnered with National Schools
Affordable, Inclusive & Fun
Our mission at Headstart is to Strive for Active Communities and to Inspire Youth, giving the Youth of today a head start, giving them access to New Sports, Sports Programs, Activities and Games they may not have had previous access to, through a wide range of platforms we provide for them. In the process of accomplishing this, they will Develop their Skills, Build Confidence and most of all have FUN whilst taking part! Catering and fostering a love for sport and physical activity which in turn, will promote a healthy and active lifestyle for years to come!
The Man Behind It All
Hi! I’m Niall Fagan, and I’m on a mission to help communities become more active and to inspire children of all abilities to enjoy exercise — even those who might not see themselves as “sporty.”
I believe movement should be fun, inclusive, and something young people carry with them for life. My goal is to open the door to a healthy lifestyle and give every child the confidence to get moving and stay active.
Born in Manchester in 1991, football played a huge role in my upbringing. growing up watching Manchester United with my father Richard and grandfather Micheal — who was a steward at Old Trafford — I was lucky enough to meet legends like David Beckham, Roy Keane, and Eric Cantona. Those moments sparked big dreams and had a lasting impact on me.
That dream became reality in 2001 when, at just 10 years old, I was selected to play at Old Trafford and train under Manchester United coaches. It was a defining experience that set me on a lifelong path into football and sports coaching
In 2002, my family moved from Manchester to Castlepollard, Westmeath — a huge change from city life to rural Ireland. Sport became my anchor. It helped me settle in, make friends, and feel at home. Throughout my school years, I continued to progress through football, taking part in FAI Emerging Talent programs, North Dublin Academy, playing for clubs such as Shelbourne FC and Longford Town and being rewarded with trials at Norwich City. These experiences shaped me both on and off the pitch.
After graduating with a 2:1 BA Honors degree in Coaching and Sports Development from Manchester Metropolitan University, I returned to Westmeath and founded Headstart Sports Coaching — a name inspired by my desire to give young people a true head start in sport and physical activity.
Today, Headstart has grown significantly, delivering a wide range of sports, tailored sports programs and activities across primary and secondary schools, clubs, companies and local communities.
What I love most about coaching is sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and helping young people develop confidence, enjoyment, and a genuine love for movement — regardless of ability. By creating positive, fun experiences, I hope to build healthy habits and relationships with exercise that last a lifetime.