Ryan Maxwell, manager of Welling United, is preparing to transition from his current roles in football management and various day jobs to pursue a career as a life coach and mentor. The 42-year-old Northern Irishman cites his extensive personal experiences and man-management skills as key factors motivating this change.
Maxwell’s background includes a part-time playing career across several clubs and a challenging life marked by serious incidents. In 2008, he narrowly avoided paralysis following an accident, and eight years later, he experienced temporary blindness due to a workplace incident. These events have shaped his perspective, and he now aims to use the coping strategies he developed to assist others facing physical, mental, family, work, or relationship challenges.
“Being paralysed and blinded on two separate occasions has made me feel lucky to be alive,” Maxwell said. “I believe I’ve found the tools needed to get through dramatic events in life, and I want to help others find that same way forward with a positive mindset and proper support.”
Since beginning his managerial career eight years ago as a player-boss at Walthamstow, Maxwell has viewed off-field player welfare as an increasingly important part of his role. His previous managerial positions include stints at Braintree and Sittingbourne, before joining Welling United in November and helping the club avoid relegation from the Isthmian Premier League last season.
Maxwell notes that today’s players face pressures unfamiliar to earlier generations, including the impact of social media. “There’s a lot more responsibility for managers on player welfare now than ever before,” he said. “I spend a lot of time talking to players, advising them, and being someone they can confide in. I operate an open-door policy at the club and insist on it.”
He encourages anyone in need of support or guidance to reach out to him directly. Maxwell’s move to full-time life coaching reflects not only his commitment to football but also his desire to extend his mentoring beyond the pitch.