Darren Lawrence

Darren Lawrence Coaching & Consulting logo REV
07703 359673

About Darren

I work with individuals, teams, and organisations, to help improve what they do and develop effective action plans for the future.

My conscientious, systematic but tactful and diplomatic approach has been described by clients as ‘relatable’. I use my people skills with an orientation to detail to get the very best results for my clients and projects I am commissioned for.

After gaining a first class degree in Sports Studies from the University of Chichester in 1998 I embarked on a career in sport with Canterbury City Council in 1999. I then held management positions at Sport England, Hertfordshire Football Association, and The Football Association before setting up my own business in 2016.

I am a registered assessor for Quest, the UK Quality Scheme for sport and leisure, and also an associate for both Switch the Play and Continuum Sport & Leisure Ltd.

I qualified as a Personal Performance Coach with the Coaching Academy in 2017.

I am particularly passionate about helping people to improve their productivity, look after their wellbeing and thrive through transition and change.

Our productivity is affected by many variables not least our own expectations, our energy, how and what we prioritise and different strategies we employ to ‘get things done’. I can help you to identify what’s important to you and break through the barriers preventing you from moving forward.

So much of being happy and healthy relates to having enthusiasm, joy and motivation for life. The concept of self care and wellbeing is being seen as increasingly important to ensure that we are in the best possible shape to lead the life we want and deserve. Making small changes to what you do can bring huge benefits to your wellbeing.
Transitions happen at key moments in our lives. It can be something we have planned for or initiated ourselves, and it can also happen unexpectedly, driven by others. I can help individuals to identify their desired way forward, provide clarity, understand what is happening and manage their way through transition by following a step by step approach.

I help people to be more effective in their role and in their lives by bringing out their:


Supporting people to break through negative thinking that may prevent them from performing at their best.

Helping people to understand both themselves and others better at work and in life

Encouraging people to plan and move their way through transition, getting them ‘unstuck’ and towards the future they want.

What people say?

Clients and Partners:

Stephen Willmot
Herefordshire Football Association

"Darren joined the HFA in September 2019 as Acting Chief Executive Officer. The FA had been asked to produce an Independent Review on staffing at our organisation that resulted in two senior long serving members of staff leaving the organisation in January 2020.
Throughout the process Darren was a source of great support to the Board of Directors, myself and 10 staff. He handled what was a very difficult situation with great sensitivity whilst also ensuring that we followed correct legal procedures. At times this necessitated him dealing firmly with one of the departing members of staff. He established an excellent working relationship with all staff during this time and they are now a far happier team than existed prior to his arrival. He also ensured delivery and opening of our new 3G pitch in December 2019 that had been complicated by legal issues outside our control. Darren was employed to work 2 days per week but in reality he was providing support to staff and myself on virtually a daily basis. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and I will always be grateful for his advice and guidance throughout the 7 months he worked for us.
I can fully recommend him to any future employer. I also happy to answer any questions you may have in respect of Darren"

Darren Bernstein
Director of Marketing & Communications, England Squash

"It has been a pleasure working with Darren on a variety of projects. Darren gave us expert advice and really enhanced our recent White Paper on the Squash Landscape. In addition to this Darren was instrumental to the management, delivery and organisation of our Squash Summit, which saw industry leaders from all 3 sectors of the sport come together for the first time to drive the sport forward. We have already commissioned Darren to work with us on developing our KPIs and improving how we monitor and evaluate our work. It is not just Darren's technical skills and knowledge but the professional manner, attention to detail and exemplary customer service that means we will continue to work with him in the future."

Katie Lambert
Coaching client

''Darren's coaching style is warm and friendly and I always feel at ease in his presence. There's no push or pull for answers, instead he gently guides you towards the solutions that will work for you. You - the client - are at the heart of everything he does and he will be able to help you reconnect with your true purpose, whether that be in work, life or love. If you want a relatable yet reassuring coach who gives you the space to breathe, then look no further than Darren.''

Kelly Simmons MBE
Director of Football Participation and Development, The Football Association

''Darren has a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience from his roles within The FA in football development, business development and more recently specialising in data governance and analysis, research, monitoring and evaluation. He is hardworking, reliable, and strives to add value in all areas of his work. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.''

Paul Mullen
Head of Football Administration at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club

''Darren is a very detail orientated and highly professional individual who is committed to delivering work of the highest standard. He has a wealth of experience in the UK sports industry and hence would be an asset to any project, team or organisation. I cannot speak highly enough about Darren's all round abilities.''

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How can I help you?

Call 07703 359673 – or – write to me to discuss your specific needs in more detail.