Photo Courtesy of Emma-Jane Photography

Every two months we will bring you an interview with one of our dedicated coaches to provide you with insight into their football and coaching experience. Who knows, you could feature in the next article or it may even encourage you to give coaching a try!

1. How did you get into football?

From a very young age I had an interest in football, I don’t know where the interest came from as my parents didn’t follow it, however they made sure I enjoyed many opportunities to watch top level football and play at a number of school holiday camps, however regrettably I never had the confidence to join a mixed football team. Despite this I always had a football around ready for a little kick about at any time. 

My first experience of playing for a team was when I started University, and was given the opportunity to represent my University campus, Sutton Bonnington, at the University of Nottingham. When I started playing for a team my interest in football soon turned into a love for the game.

2. When did you start coaching?

Unfortunately following my graduation and starting my full time career, there was little opportunity to continue playing for a team. A few years later, in 2016, I was speaking with a family friend who was involved with Heanor Town Football Club who invited me along to get involved with coaching at the Saturday morning fun club. 

Moving from playing to coaching wasn’t without challenges and initially I was nervous when coaching, however the team at Heanor Town supported my development. I went on to be part of the team who helped to set up the girls section at Heanor Town which, in 2017, had 3 competing girls’ teams. I then became the manager for the Under 10 Diamond Girls who started competing in their first season in September 2017.

3. What coaching courses have you completed?

I completed my FA level 1 in 2017, I was a little apprehensive going into this as I knew I didn’t have as much experience as others on the course, however the trainers were very supportive and overall I found the experience enjoyable and gained a lot more confidence in my coaching.

I have found my qualifications have helped grow my overall confidence, by achieving something that I never thought I would be capable of. I am also part of the coaching team at PKA kickboxing in Derbyshire and the skills learnt from my Level 1 can be applied to help children and adults develop in other sports too.

5. What are your coaching aspirations?

As my team and Club develop I hope to continue my coaching development to progress to the same level and hope to complete my Level 2 and access further support and training provided by the FA and my Club. I want to do my part to see as many girls and young people join Football, and ensure Football is accessible to all who want to partake.
   
6. The best thing about coaching is…

“That was fun”, “Thank you”, the feeling of small sayings when they are said by a child about a session you have ran for them has got to be one of the best things about being a coach. Winning is great when you have helped developed a team, however what’s more rewarding as a coach is the pride you feel when seeing a group of children who did not know each other, who at one time was too shy to even pass a ball in case it didn’t go the correct direction, to develop and work as a confident team of friends with pure excitement and love for the game.

Neither you nor your team remember every loss and win, but you do remember the pride you feel when, no matter what the challenge that awaits ahead, the team confidently walks onto the pitch together.  

7. Who are your role models within football?

Lioness Casey Stoney in particular has inspired me to push to help more girls get into Football and have the opportunities I did not have is when I was young. I met Casey Stoney at an Equality in Women’s football event, held at my University. After seeing how much women had already achieved in football, I knew I wanted to support the aim to get more girls into the game.

8. Any advice for a female wanting to get into coaching?

I would give the same advice that I would give to anyone wanting to get into coaching, not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give it a go, no matter your experience. Contact a local club and most will be grateful for volunteers and will support you in your development.