Spotlight on Phil

With a background that spans over two decades in the military, Phil’s leadership approach is built on solid experience and a calm, strategic mindset. After serving with the Royal Engineers and Airborne Forces, he went on to study Civil Engineering and Information Systems, picking up a few additional certifications along the way, including PRINCE2, which have been key to his role here at SOCS.

Before starting the company, Phil played a big part in rolling out systems at MOD Abbey Wood and spent 14 years at Microsoft, where he managed complex projects across South Africa and the Middle East. But it was his frustration as a parent of sporty kids navigating school sports across the UK that led him to create the Schools’ Rugby Website in 1998. This idea eventually grew into what we now know as SOCS—a platform helping thousands of schools worldwide with co-curricular management.

Phil was also the first SOCS team member on the ground at the iconic Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, using the SOCS platform to collate results over two decades ago. The RPNS7s is one of the biggest and most prestigious school rugby tournaments in the world, and this March marks 26 years of SOCS supporting the event, helping to manage and track the action every year!

In his earlier years, Phil was a keen sportsman, playing rugby and completing the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race—the world’s longest non-stop canoe race—more than once!

When he's not leading SOCS, Phil is a family man who enjoys spending time with his loved ones and his Airedale Terrier, a breed he’s had since childhood. These days, you’ll often find him out on long walks in the countryside.

Phil has always enjoyed a bit of excitement, whether behind the wheel of a sports car or out on the water, where he can unwind and enjoy a sense of adventure. 

We’re proud to have Phil leading SOCS and wish him a great birthday today!