Fierce & Fearless

 

'I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the leadership sessions. I have grown in confidence speaking to other people, and I feel really proud for stepping out of my comfort zone. I feel more people respect me for me just being myself -and not being judged'

Poppy

Yr10

Film

 

'It’s truly been an honour to work with Shaun. His heart is genuine, his intentions always pure, and his presence a steady source of inspiration, honesty, strength and kindness. He leads with integrity, and it's clear to everyone that his heart is true. The challenges he helps people face and overcome is absolutely phenomenal. I’m grateful for every moment shared on this journey together.'

Cameron

Yr11 Student

Film

 

'Shaun has shown belief in me and it's made a massive difference. My attitude towards school, my lessons and learning has improved. I'm more confident speaking infront of others and sharing my opinions. The group sessions have been really enjoyable and my family have seen a big change in me'

Sophie

Yr10

Film

 

'Shaun has motivated me to build my confidence to put myself forward and not worry about what others might think of me. He's recognised I have a talent, and encouraged me, and its helped me inspire others. My friends have seen a big change and I feel really proud about myself'

Charlie

Yr10

Piano Man Film

 

'The group sessions have enabled my confidence to grow because I've been encouraged to just be myself. My attitude at school has improved massively and I've really enjoyed working with Shaun, and other people I wouldn't normally mix with. It's been really interactive and enjoyable, and I've learnt valuable life skills that will help me next year with my with GCSE's and my future'.

Mac

Yr10

Film

 Working with Shaun has been nothing short of transformative for my son, Cameron. From the very beginning, Shaun’s guidance, authenticity, and unwavering support have made a remarkable impact —not only in helping Cameron navigate his own mental health journey but also in empowering him to become a strong advocate for men's mental health. Cameron is inspired by the way Shaun leads with purpose and resilience. In the short time of knowing Shaun, it is clear that he meets young people where they are, then helps lift them to where they’re truly capable of going. Through his mentorship, Cameron has grown in confidence, clarity and courage — traits that now ripple into every area of his life. What Fierce and Fearless stands for —moving from Ordinary to Extraordinary — is exactly what we’ve witnessed in Cameron’s journey. Shaun’s driven approach doesn’t just talk about integrity, courage and purpose; he lives it. He’s helped Cameron see that being vulnerable is not a weakness, but a powerful step toward personal strength and real leadership. Both myself and Cameron are deeply grateful for Shaun and all he brings to his work. His impact on young lives, especially in helping young men like Cameron find their voice and strength, is truly extraordinary. 

Sam: Mother

 I cannot recommend this colleague enough, his moral compass and purpose are fully aligned with educationalists operating in challenging contexts; not through excuse making but by offering solutions and creating a 'can do culture'. The bespoke programme he carefully crafted was built after methodical due-diligence. Shaun got to know and understand our YR10 cohort, and worked skilfully, and tenaciously to break down barriers. He never shirked a challenge. He added huge capacity, particularly with our most vulnerable students. The impact was tangible, and quickly gained respect and trust; in equal measure, and at the end of the programme every student was engaged. He has an unshakeable belief that every child has talent and that it is the job of adults to unlock that potential. 

Corpus Christi Catholic College, Leeds: Graeme Wrightson Senior Assistant Principal  |  Click here

 I have worked with Shaun for over 15 years and he has had a profound impact on the pupils, staff and parents he has worked with. He is someone with great integrity who always puts young people first. He believes that through building a child's self awareness, resilience and ambition, anything is possible. I can unreservedly recommend Shaun to you as someone with an unwavering work ethic, charisma, empathy and vision. His coaching is pupil focused, proven and highly effective. 

Chris Wilkins: Director of Primary Standards SGTGCAT & OFSTED Inspector  |  Click here

 I have had the pleasure of working closely with Shaun over this 2024/25 academic year. He came to CVHS to help change student’s perceptions of themselves and he was relentless in achieving this. He never gave up on them even when they gave up on themselves. Shaun quickly gains trust and through doing this students engage, he breaks down barriers and his desire to unlock potential is outstanding. He has had a major impact. 

Colne Valley High School: Jill Westwood - Senior Mental Health Lead & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead  |  Click here

 As a school we are excited by this innovative leadership approach utilising girls' football as the vehicle to then be able to work on messages and issues which affect girls in our society as well as being able to support their confidence, mental health and well-being. Shaun has formed strong relationships with the girls, and the school community, acting as an inspirational role model at all times, contributing to wider aspects of school life - the girls have thrived and absolutely love this program. 

Spring Grove Junior School: Deputy Head Teacher Di Mahon  |  Click here

 Our involvement with Shaun this year has really helped us to embed the key qualities and characteristics within everything we do in school. The children recognise resilience in themselves and are building their inner confidence to try to be the best version of themselves at everything they attempt & learn. A must for every school, and more importantly every child. 

Jilian Harrison-Longworth: Head teacher Blennerhasset Primary School  |  Click Here

 Since 2017, I've had the opportunity and privilege to coach alongside Shaun at a grassroots football level and across school settings. His passion, drive and knowledge to inspire young girl's leadership development through the vehicle of football is absolutely inspirational. 

Shaun Burrows: Manchester City Football Foundation  |  Click here

 “The work that has gone into producing these personal development & well-being programmes for young females is absolutely fantastic. As a County FA, we're here to encourage and support clubs, leagues, schools and organisations to create safe, inspiring and enjoyable football environments for all to play in. Inspirational programs like this, will undoubtedly create exciting new experiences, and we're excited and looking forward to working in partnership with Shaun further" 

Jo De Tut: WRCFA Head of Football Development & Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead  |  Click here

 I have known Shaun for nearly 10 years, and he has always put young people's emotional development as his foremost priority, and has afforded children the opportunity to develop and learn to believe in their abilities. But most of all - believe in themselves and what their capabilities are.  My daughter Leia worked with Shaun building confidence, resilience, overcoming adversity and he has followed her journey from the age of 8yrs old to where she is now at 20yrs old and in the last year of her first degree, studying at Oxford University. 

Tracey Bouch: Parent

 I worked with Shaun for more than 15 years in a variety of school settings and have witnessed first hand his commitment to motivating children/young adults and seen the remarkable impact his coaching techniques have upon young people. I have witnessed self-confidence increase, youngsters overcome adversity and map out their routes to achievement. For many the process has been truly transformative and life-changing. Shaun is able to inspire all young people; irrespective of background, quickly engaging and connecting to unlock limiting beliefs empowering individuals to thrive in all aspects of their life. 

Liz Smart: Retired Teacher

 It is said that everyone has a talent. Certainly, not everyone gets the opportunity to showcase that talent. Sometimes that is because they haven't realised just how good they are or no-one else has seen that special something in them. Others need a platform, shoulders of giants to stand upon perhaps. Still more might need someone to unlock that belief and confidence in them by being believed in first. These are things that Shaun is so good at. He recognises the resilience of young people and their ability to do anything they put their minds to. He spots the transferable skills and harnesses them to equip teenagers to perform in ways they never before thought they could. Shaun changes lives. In fact, I have seen the impact of his work in not just changing lives but perhaps even saving them. His support through engaging students in what they love helps them grow in confidence to take control of their destiny. Through Shaun's work students shake off their shackles and stop walking blindly into potential disaster. Taking a school refuser at risk of serious harm through their behaviours from darkness to light is inspirational. From peddling despair to pitching to business leaders in just over six months shows that with the right help, direction and support so many youngsters can achieve dreams that they might not even dared to imagine. 

Gavin Cowley: Secondary Education Consultant  |  Click here