MISSIOn
My mission is to empower young athletes by strengthening their mental game, developing focus, resilience, and emotional control to support their success in both sports and academics.
I believe families are essential to this journey, which is why I work closely with parents, providing the tools, guidance, and communication they need to actively support their child’s growth.
Whether your child is chasing a big dream or simply building confidence, I’m here to guide them with structure, purpose, and genuine care.
ABOUT me
Passionate about inspiring others
I was 16 when I signed my first professional contract. It should’ve been the start of everything I’d dreamed of. Instead, it felt like being thrown into deep water : new city, new school, new coaches etc... Yet no real guidance for me, and even less for my parents.
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I pushed through, chasing the dream, living the highs and lows of pro sport. But behind the scenes, it was a constant battle: injuries, broken promises, no real support in the school system, financial pressure, absence of social life when I needed support the most.
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By 23, the dream had slipped through. I didn’t make the cut. But that moment lit a fire in me: not to walk away from the game, but to return with a mission.
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For the past 15 years, I’ve coached around the world: from Australia and New Zealand to Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands, working with high-performance programs and talented young athletes.
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Now, I focus on what matters most to me: helping young players and their families navigate the sports journey with real support, clear communication, and mental coaching that goes beyond the game. Because talent needs more than training, it needs guidance, structure, and someone in your corner who truly gets it.
Coaching method
Step 1
Everyone is unique
Every athlete has a unique journey. I start with a face-to-face conversation to understand the challenges and goals, then tailor an approach and define an action plan together.
Step 2
Growth beyond the game
The program prioritize athletic performance while also developing mental growth, resilience, and essential life skills for both athletes and their families.
Step 3
Involve & inspire
I create a motivating environment where athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their training, while also engaging families in the journey to build a strong support system.
Common Challenges
1. Mental Health
Issues such as burnout, performance anxiety, and feelings of isolation are common among young athletes, impacting their overall well-being.
Solution
I prioritize mental well-being, offering guidance to manage stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.​
2. Lack of support
Young athletes often navigate their sports journey without adequate guidance or resources from family, coaches, or mentors.
Solution
Personalized coaching and mentorship to ensure young athletes receive the guidance they need to succeed.
3. Time Management
Balancing sports commitments with academic responsibilities and family life can create overwhelming schedules for young athletes.
Solution
My programs teach young athletes effective time management strategies, ensuring they can balance sports, school, and family life.
4. Future Readiness
Young athletes may face uncertainty regarding career paths, academic performance, and the balance between sports and education, leading to anxiety about their future.
Solution
I provide young athletes with the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically and prepare for future career paths.
More Than a Coach
endorsementS
Margot Holland
​​Mother of Fabian Holland - professional rugby player (New Zealand)
"Manu consistently puts the athlete first, focusing not only on physical challenges but also on their overall development.
His approach, built on trust and openness, helps athletes discover what they truly want and what it takes to excel in high-performance sports.
As parents, we recognize our limitations in this area, and it's invaluable to have someone like Manu"
Louis Dallimore
Head of Performance - KINTETSU LINERS (Japan)
"I had the privilege of working closely with Manu. His expertise in mental and performance coaching is truly impressive, and his dedication to helping individuals reach their full potential is unparalleled. Manu combines a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of performance with practical strategies.
I highly regard him for his professionalism, passion, and ability to inspire and motivate."
Zane Gardiner
Former Head Coach - RUGBY NEDERLAND (Netherlands)
"Manu combined the scientific with the humanistic and mental side of coaching to improve both the athletes and the coaches. We all got better thanks to his knowledge, planning and work ethic.
He transformed the way I coach and prepare my teams.”
