Former Footballer for Reading FC, Writer Behind the Acclaimed ‘The Secret Footballer’ Column & Founder of the Dave Kitson Academy
Dave Kitson’s Biography:
Dave Kitson is a former professional footballer, columnist and entrepreneur who is best known for combining a successful career in English football with a candid and influential voice on the realities of the modern game. Having played at every level from non-league football to the Premier League, Dave built a reputation for resilience, authenticity and independent thinking. Beyond the pitch, he became widely recognised as the writer behind the acclaimed ‘The Secret Footballer’ column, which offered an unprecedented insight into the culture, pressures and personalities of professional football. Today, he is hired as a keynote speaker for his honest perspectives on leadership, performance, mental resilience, communication and the lessons learned from a career spent challenging convention.
Dave’s journey began in professional football when he signed with Cambridge United, laying the foundations for a career that would take him through some of English football’s most competitive environments. His performances earned him a move to Reading FC, where he became a prolific goalscorer and a key figure in one of the club’s most successful periods. He later joined Stoke City and went on to play for Portsmouth and Sheffield United, experiencing both the highs and challenges of elite professional sport. He concluded his playing career with Oxford United before transitioning into education, coaching and business. In recent years he has become a football coach at Reading Blue Coat School and founded The Dave Kitson Academy, focusing on player development and mentoring the next generation of football talent.
A major reason organisations seek Dave as a keynote speaker is his ability to translate elite sporting experiences into practical lessons for business audiences. His work as the author of ‘The Secret Footballer’ column brought him national recognition for tackling subjects often avoided within professional sport. The column became one of the most talked about football features in the country, praised for its honesty, intelligence and willingness to challenge accepted narratives. Through media interviews and public appearances, Dave established himself as a respected commentator capable of discussing performance, culture, accountability and personal growth with credibility and insight.
Why Hire Dave Kitson?
Dave’s influence extends beyond football results and media headlines. Through The Dave Kitson Academy and his coaching work, he continues to shape future generations while promoting the values of discipline, self awareness and continuous improvement. His unique combination of professional sporting achievement, media success, educational leadership and entrepreneurial experience allows him to connect with audiences across industries. Whether speaking about overcoming setbacks, building high performance cultures, embracing authenticity or navigating pressure, Dave delivers engaging and thought provoking presentations grounded in real experience. His willingness to share both successes and failures makes him a memorable keynote speaker who leaves audiences with practical lessons and lasting inspiration.
Dave Kitson’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Dave Kitson’s remarkable career:
- 2023 – Founded The Dave Kitson Academy
- 2023 – Football Coach at Reading Blue Coat School
- 2013 – Signed with Oxford United FC
- 2012 – Joined Sheffield United FC
- 2010 – Joined Portsmouth FC
- 2008 – Began The Secret Footballer Column
- 2008 – Signed with Stoke City FC
- 2003 – Joined Reading FC
- 2001 – Signed with Cambridge United
Videos
Dave Kitson’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“As lead sponsors of Reading Football Club, we invited Dave to the Select Car Leasing stadium to talk to our guests. His stories and takes on modern-day football gave a whole new dimension to the match-day experience. We look forward to welcoming Dave to Select Car Leasing HQ this summer for a talk to our wider team about the importance of togetherness in a highly competitive market.” – Mark, CEO, Select Car Leasing
“Dave visited Primark’s head offices to deliver a hugely popular talk to 150 of our men’s and women’s buyers and merchandisers. He shared his techniques for dealing with extreme pressure in the world of elite sport, which our colleagues found invaluable and easily relatable to the fast-moving pace of high street fashion.” – Steve, Chief Product Officer, Primark
Speaking Topics
Dave Kitson’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Mental Health
- Performance Pressure
- Culture of Elite Sports
- Teamwork
- Motivation
How Much Does Dave Kitson Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Dave Kitson?
Dave Kitson’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.