Johnathan McKinstry
Head Coach - Men's National Team , The Gambia Football Federation
PROFILE
Contact details
Documents
Current
Role:
Head Coach - Men's National Team
Organisation:
The Gambia Football Federation
Department:
Coaching
Location:
Experience
Role:
Head Coach
Organisation:
Gor Mahia FC
Role:
Head Coach - Men's National Team
Organisation:
Ugandan Football Federation (FUFA)
Role:
Head Coach
Organisation:
SAIF Sporting Club
Role:
Head Coach
Organisation:
FK Kauno Zalgiris
Role:
Head Coach - Men's National Team
Organisation:
Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA)
Role:
Head Coach - Men's National Team
Organisation:
Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA)
Role:
Academy Manager
Organisation:
Craig Bellamy Foundation
Role:
Head Coach (Interim)
Organisation:
Right to Dream Academy
Role:
Pre Academy Coach
Organisation:
New York Red Bull
Education
Organisation:
Irish FA
Award:
UEFA Pro Licence
Date:
2016
Organisation:
Irish FA
Award:
UEFA A Licence
Date:
2009
Organisation:
Irish FA
Award:
UEFA B Licence
Date:
2003
Organisation:
Cambridge University
Award:
Certificate in High Impact Leadership
Date:
2020
Organisation:
LMA / University of Liverpool
Award:
Diploma in Football Management
Date:
2019
Organisation:
Stirling University
Award:
Postgraduate Certificate in Performance Coaching
Date:
2015
Organisation:
Northumbria University
Award:
BSc. Sports Science with Coaching
Date:
2007
Organisation:
English FA
Award:
Academy Managers Licence
Date:
2013
Organisation:
Football Coach Evolution
Award:
Coaching Mentorship
Date:
2018
Organisation:
Coerver
Award:
Youth Diploma 2
Date:
2017
Organisation:
Coerver
Award:
Youth Diploma 1
Date:
2012
Accreditations
Biography
Johnathan McKinstry is a highly accomplished UEFA Pro Licensed football manager with over two decades of experience across multiple continents, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
Born on July 16, 1985, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to elevate teams to new heights through strategic leadership and a deep understanding of the game.
McKinstry’s managerial career is distinguished by his tenure with several national teams.
He began as the head coach of Sierra Leone in 2013, where he guided the team to their highest-ever FIFA World Ranking of 50th.
Subsequently, he led Rwanda to the finals of the 2015 CECAFA Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship.
His success continued with the Uganda national team, achieving a 67% win rate and securing the 2019 CECAFA Challenge Cup title.
In May 2024, McKinstry was appointed head coach of The Gambia national team, tasked with the integration of new young talent into the national team whilst evolving the teams playing style from the existing defensive orientated approach, to a high tempo attacking focus.
In club football, McKinstry managed FK Kauno Žalgiris in Lithuania and Saif SC in Bangladesh, where he set new club records for points,
wins, and goals scored in a season.
Most recently, he led Gor Mahia FC in Kenya to consecutive Premier League titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, as well as the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield.
Beyond his managerial roles, McKinstry is committed to football development and philanthropy. He has been involved with elite youth
development programs at Newcastle United, New York Red Bulls, the Right to Dream Academy, and the Craig Bellamy Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of Common Goal, pledging a portion of his salary to support football charities worldwide.
McKinstry’s career reflects a dedication to excellence and a proven track record of success in diverse footballing environments.