Meet The Coaches

Sam Bayston – Founder & Managing Director

I have been involved with football since the age of 2. I have been lucky enough to play for some wonderful clubs like Wimborne, Dorchester, Poole Town, Hamworthy and most recently – Shaftesbury.

Since the age of 16 I have always challenged myself with developing my knowledge and working with some of the most incredible managers such as Shaun Brooks, his Son Callum and also Matty Holmes. I started my coaching journey working with children aged 2-6 years old, in our Mini Striker Programme, this was an incredible experience and helped me get to where I am today. All my life I have wanted to bring happiness to people, and having this effect on children seemed to be a natural talent.

This then led on to me managing the first ever Stars team – 4 years ago! I have had the most enjoyable 4 years coaching them, and continue to do this on a weekly basis. The experiences we have shared as a group has helped create a philosophy for all other age groups to follow, on the grounds that this side is one of the most talented in the local area. Not only for their ability, but their listening, mannerisms and the way they conduct themselves all round.

I now work full time for Stars Corporate LTD across its four departments, have a burning desire to support young people in the education sector, and support several local schools, as well as improving young Footballers that attend Stars and will in the future.

My future goal is to have a positive impact on more local children by implementing Stars’ simple philosophy of keeping children on the move for physical and mental health benefits and improving the players, facilities and operations of Stars FC and Stars Football Academy.

OLIVER DAVIS – HEAD COACH

I started playing football at the age of 6 for my local grassroots team, where I quickly developed a deep passion for the game. At the age of 10, I signed for AFC Bournemouth Academy, where I spent several years developing through the system, earning a two-year scholarship and continuing right through to a professional contract.

Following my time at Bournemouth, I went on to play non-league football for respected clubs including Poole Town, Dorchester Town, AFC Totton, Hamworthy United, and Christchurch. These playing experiences helped shape my understanding of football at all levels, on and off the pitch.

Since the age of 17, I’ve always challenged myself to grow in both football coaching and psychology, with a strong desire to better understand the mental and emotional side of player development. During my time at Bournemouth, I was fortunate to learn under elite coaches such as Matty Holmes, Danny Holmes, Shaun Brooks, Paul Groves, and several other UEFA A licensed professionals, all of whom have had a lasting impact on my coaching journey and continue to inspire the way I deliver sessions today.

My coaching career began in 2016 at Stars Academy, working alongside Sam, before moving into a full-time position as Head Football Coach at LeAF Studio School, where I spent three years helping young athletes grow within an educational setting. I then spent four years coaching within the JPL (Junior Premier League), and eventually progressed to working with the Juventus Academy, where I coached three age groups as part of their professional programme.

In 2024, I proudly took on my own team at Stars Academy, while now working full-time in primary schools, delivering PE curriculum sessions and running after-school football clubs through Stars. Gaining this breadth of experience across academy, school, and community settings over the last ten years has helped me build a strong personal philosophy and curriculum that supports children in all four corners of their football and life journey — technically, physically, socially, and psychologically.

My goal is simple: to create a positive, enjoyable, and progressive environment for every child I work with — helping them grow as footballers and as young people. Through Stars, I’m committed to making a lasting difference in the local community by delivering a programme that prioritises development, wellbeing, and long-term growth.

Zac Green

I’ve always had the idea of going into coaching right from a young age. I idolised managers more then I did players and so it was always an ambition of mine to get into coaching. I encourage an energetic attacking style of play, which I think comes from Eddie Howe who has always been my coaching Idol.

I’m a huge AFC Bournemouth fan and have been a season ticket holder for 14 years.

Whilst playing I was a goalkeeper and I now use these skills, and experience, to take a lead, alongside Coach Jonno, in taking the Goalkeeper training.

Stars is a great club to be a coach at and I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with them, leading with my very own Stars Team.

Jack Browning

I started my football journey at the age of 9 when i started playing for Bournemouth poppies and ever since then I have live and breathed football.

I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to work with stars at the age of 16 where I started helping out at mini strikers and the occasional friday night development centre at Lytchett.

Now I coach my own team which has always been a dream of mine and I am currently the lead coach of mini strikers which is amazing. I get to play a small part in their football journey and to get to see them develop into young footballers where they play for our academy sides is a privilege.

Matt Head

I started my football journey at the age of 4 progressing to play within the AFC Bournemouth Academy & at county level within my youth.

Following this I have played for some fantastic football clubs within the Non-League circuit representing clubs such as Weymouth, Bashley, Hamworthy United and Christchurch.

I have spent many years coaching young children within football from the age of 2-14 and I pride myself in developing players to reach there full potential in terms of technical ability & as people whilst putting a smile on players faces.

I have been with Stars since March 2024 and I look forward to developing players throughout the age groups.

Adam Trimby

I started my football journey at the age of 6 playing in the local bournemouth league. That's where I just knew I loved everything about football.

When turning 14/15 I got myself involved in helping to coach at football summer camps, which I developed a great passion for. This lead me to follow a football coaching path on leaving school. Unfortunately coaching then, wasn't like it is today, and I had to leave it behind for a short while.

At 16 I signed for Parley Sports at senior level and worked myself through the set up in the club. I found myself playing at county level for many years and still to this day I am a loyal player for Parley.

In 2023 I took on the role of becoming a coach at stars and I wouldn't change it for the world. I love nothing more than watching my group all develop their skills, come together as a team and generally enjoy their footballing journey. Stars is a great club to be a part of and I cannot wait to see my group go through all the age groups with me by their side.

Becca Witherington

I am a level 2 qualified football coach and have been coaching for almost 5 years including boys and girls teams. I currently am captain of Poole Town Ladies FC and have been playing football for 14 years, of which 5 seasons playing in tier 4 of the women's football pyramid.

At Stars I have the pleasure of coaching the U7s.
I am a firm believer of hard work, teamwork and fun! I love seeing improvements within players individually and as a team.

As a coach I aspire to be the best I can so that I get the best out of the players. I also hope within the next 3 years to begin my journey onto a UEFA B coaching course to progress myself and my teams further.