Mark Holmes Football Academy
Academy supremo Mark Holmes enjoyed spells as a professional player but a car accident put paid to his career going past the age of 27.
Mark didn’t dwell on the might-have-beens; instead setting out to help and coach young players in the Highlands.
His hard work paid off very quickly and the Mark Holmes Football Academy is now operating in far-away places such as Ghana, Zambia and Canada.
Mark’s story is told in his academy’s official football annual:
Mark Holmes started his career at Clachnacuddin F.C., then later joined Caledonian Thistle F.C. under Sergei Baltacha.
Mark then headed over to Australia to play on the recommendation of ex-West Ham player George Cowie. After spells at Newmarket F.C. and Capalaba F.C., Mark was quickly snapped up by national league giants, the Brisbane Strikers, managed by ex-Australian international manager Frank Farina. Frank was a player/coach who had previously played for Brugge and Bari.
The Strikers trained at Perry Park in Australia and played games at the Suncorp stadium, which holds a 52,500 capacity. Unfortunately, Mark fell foul of sporting visa restrictions, therefore, forcing his return to Scotland. On his return after trial opportunities, he signed for Ross County F.C., Falkirk F.C. and had spells in the Highland League with Nairn County F.C., Forres Mechanics F.C. and Buckie Thistle F.C.
Mark was then in a car accident, forcing him to retire at 27 years old. Mark then worked closely with many top league footballers helping them to find clubs.