It turned into a positive event, despite the weather, 16 out of 20 attendees signed up to the programme. Thoughts have already turned to the next event which we hope to run in December by young leaders, for young leaders.
Last night I gave a speech on my FF journey, some of the highlights and events, some of the lessons I've learnt and people I've met. A new experience for me talking about my FF journey so far, one which is still going and getting better everyday. After emailing to ask if I could attend the event, never in my wildest dreams did I invisage delivering a speech and PowerPoint presentation.
One thing I wanted to do was include quotes from people across the country on the programme to showcase how it has affected so many people, both young leaders and those working on the programme. I didn't get to mention them all, but I think that helped to back up the points I was making.
There is always room for improvement and don't be scared to ask questions because someone is willing to listen. Jenna Kiely
I went through my playing career with Wrekin, through a number of events, most of them have been blogged about some way or another. My key points were about creating relationships, not just with the people you are coaching, but other young leaders and senior staff. Creating bonds where you can then help each other to push each others' boundaries. I now feel like I've got friends all over the country who are happy to text, tweet, Facebook, email me back and help with any problems, or catch up on recent events.. anything.
I feel like I've got a family all over the country, and accomplished things I couldn't have imagined 2 years ago and I've never looked back. Miranda Makespeace
Football Futures is about developing people, that's literally it, developing people to be the best they can be and to develop skills which some people didn't even know they had. Rewarding moments mean just as much as tangible awards, if you can recognise the small areas of development in yourself and others then you will be able to see the real purpose of the FF programme. How rewards come to those who work hard and put it the effort.
It's taught me that the harder you work at something, the more you achieve. Ryan Howard
I think it speaks volumes that young people from the programme are developing the skills and experience which have now oppened doors to employment in multiple areas, coaches, FDOs, CCFCs, working for BCS, BUCs, the National FA. I think that if you were to hunt down volunteers on the programme and ask where they've come from to where they are now, the success and progress rate would be through the roof. We've got to admire young people and their capacity to learn and their interest in sports. This out of school programme is a platform for learning, not just for young people but seniors working alongside us.
Working on the Football Futures Programme allows you to 'drop the stone in water and watch the ripples.' #Learning #Legacy. Pete Collins
Young people are inspiring, they inspire me everyday. How fantastic is it that the programme has allowed over 4,000 young people the opportunity to volunteer already. A work force, a family which is growing stronger everyday. Starting to fight back against this stereotype we are branded with, this lack of competence which we are tarnished with. Maybe it's the dinosaurs running our sports and country who are incompetent? Who cannot see what is happening at ground level.. there is a revaluation occurring.
I've learnt that young people are way more capable than they are often given credit for. We need to give them the opportunity to shine. Tina Reed
Its becoming a bit of a cliché, but FF is life changing and has benefitted so many people in so many ways, even if it's just helped to open people's eyes. Small changes which add up to be a huge change. The programme has helped to direct lives, offer different paths to stay in or get into football. Things like National Camp, the Coach Scholarship Programme.. yes of course it's about developing the next generation of young leaders and coaches.. buts it's just as much about developing people. Developing people fit for purpose in the world who can set goals and look to chase down their dreams.
As a volunteer we are recognised and the hardwork does pay off. If you're doing something you love who cares anyway. It has helped me decide on what degree and career path I want to take. Actually life changing. Jas Powar
Although everyone loves it, the programme isnt about finding the new Sir Alex Ferguson or José Mourinho, it's about developing the Sarah Nickless, Adam Herczeg, Mel Clarke, James Cottee and so on, showing the level of effort and commitment to improve and want to develop. Football goes further than the white lines around the pitch, the whistle in the referee's mouth. That's just the cover.
The FF Programme, for me, has been a life changing experience that has opened my eyes up to how wide spread football is and the possibilities it can have on people's lives. Louise Mullen
To you, you might see the programme as another volunteering thing, to those involved it's becoming a way of life. Last night and always I can't express how much the programme means to me, it's helped and continues to help me develop into the person I am. The programme is all about the people..
I've met Olly Murs ect. but the most important people are those who have helped me on my journey. Jazz Hervin
I can't echo those words enough, everyone I've met has challenged my thinking in some way or another, not just opened up my eyes, but opened up my mind. Helped me to develop a way of thinking, a way of being, been a part of the propell system to push me towards my summit.
My speech last night felt amazing, it's flew by and I thought someone else was speaking, coming out with the lines I was. The level of confidence that I felt in my body language, voice tone and projection. I might have been nervous on the inside but i sure didn't let that show on the outside. I felt my voice wobble a few times, but that's something to work on. Compared to my Team19 speech a couple of years ago, last night showcased how I've developed. Going from reading off a piece of paper, to only stand with a few quotes in my hand. Always looking to make eye contact with people in the room, create another connection. I looked down maybe 4 times for words.. It felt unreal.
Even came out with the line, 'I went to to the event thinking I was going to be a small fish in a big pond, but it turned out I was capable of swimming with sharks.'
Just want to finish this post the same way I finished my speech last night; the FF programme has allowed me to meet some amazing people, and the new people I meet always inspire me to keep working hard. I've made some amazing friends who I message, email, talk to every week. People who challenge me and want to help me to be the best I can be.. it's amazing that these people are dotted across the country, but they really are friends for life.
Whilst putting together my speech I asked for quotes from people, one liner kind of thing. This one was a bit longer, but I think it hits every point about the FF programme so well that I couldn't miss it out.
I cannot really put into words my FF experience it is something that is on-going and never fails to amaze me. The past three years I’ve seen myself develop into a competent confident coach but even more than that a unique individual who has the capacity to deal with, what I would like to think as, any situation. Rwanda, NYCA, CPD, TeamSixteen, CP tournaments, National Camp, the list is endless and I know it won’t stop there, there is more to come. It’s not every day you get to set up life changing projects let alone go over to Rwanda and do the same. I've met soo many inspiring people through my journey within football futures, a journey in which i can never express how grateful I am to have had the privilege to of received. I’ve met so many people, people that challenge me, question me, inspire me and most importantly strive me to be better in every way. And that’s all it is, thats what the programmes about… people, and taking those people to their highest potential, their summit. Amber Wildgust
