About Author
About THe Author
The Journey of Martin Wincenty Bidzinski
Martin Bidzinski was born in Cupar, Fife, Scotland, into a mixed-heritage family. His father, a Polish soldier who served in World War II, met his Scottish mother while stationed in Scotland after the war.
Martin’s early years were spent in Poland (1946-1957) in a farming village where his father worked as a school headmaster. This unique upbringing gave Martin an independent mindset and a deep appreciation for hard work and observation.
From Player to Coach
Martin’s love for football began as a young boy in Poland, where he spent hours practicing with a small rubber ball in the schoolyard. After returning to Scotland in 1958, he pursued his passion for the game while learning English.
Upon joining the British Army, Martin became a Physical Training Instructor, developing his understanding of physical development and athletic training.
Learning from the Best
Martin spent years observing training sessions at professional clubs:
- Bolton Wanderers (circa 1980) Under manager Ian Greaves, Martin studied professional training methods and began forming his own ideas about player development.
- Blackburn Rovers (1982-86) During Bobby Saxton’s management, Martin attended numerous training sessions and passed his Supervisory Sports Management exam (NEBBS) in 1986.
- Poland (1988-1991) Martin managed two Polish clubs, Warta Sieradz and WKS Wielun, applying his developing coaching philosophy in real club environments.
Creating Lasting Impact
Martin published his first book, “The Soccer Coaching Handbook,” in 1996. This marked the beginning of his mission to share specific, skill-based training methods with coaches worldwide.
Unlike many coaches, Martin has remained independent of FA guidelines, developing his system based on observation, experience, and results. His work has influenced player development programs worldwide, often behind closed doors, for nearly three decades.