Recent weeks have really enlightened the journey which I am on, how far I have come, and how far there is left to travel. This year I have been taught to enjoy the journey, focussing on the end result will ruin the memories and steps which I will tred. Described as building and steadying the ladder, my volunteering journey has opened up the opportunity to employment in football.. A chance to now climb that secure ladder.
2013 started out with mixed emotions, I didn't get onto the National Youth Council, being completely honest I turned into a horrible person.. sour and bitter towards the world and everyone in it. It's up there as one of the peaks on my life plan to make it onto the NYC, the first feeling of failure was difficult but I've since realised that opportunities go to those who deserve them and that I must work harder and develop key skills to put me in better stead for the future. As Tina Reed said, you get the opportunities you deserve, use a setback to provide evidence that you aren't ready yet and as a catalyst to developing to then get opportunities knowing you deserve them.
This poor attitude clouded my life, I was so blinded by the setback that I lost track of where I was. Soon to change that was the National Young Coaches Academy. Returning to the NYCA was an incredible treat, seeing events from a different perspective learning off young coaches as well as trying to educate them. The NYCA was the moment, everyone has one, the moment you wake up/ moment of desire, belief or whatever... but that was mine. Words from peers provided food for thought, 'everyone can see why you're here, just open your eyes.' Pretty strong words, not exact, but that's what did it; sat eating my cheesey wotsits in a room full of young people. A memory that will last.
It was a firm kick up the backside if you like.
My attitude changed, I wanted to be a part of something like a youth council or management group, just like I had been at college. I questioned Lancashire FA and plans were pieced together.. but then put on hold. It didn't really matter about the timing, I wanted to start something, be a part of something which could help others. I recently found out that Shropshire FA have received permission to create a youth council which exciting for the young leaders of Shropshire, and also myself as I have been encouraged to apply when the time comes.
In just over a week in February I attended Shropshire FA's Football Futures county camp and Lancashire FA's young Leadership event. Unbelievably I didn't attend either as a young leader, but as a young ambassador. Supporting both events, providing a bounce board for ideas and inspiration when necessary. Prior to this I met my coaching mentor for the Scholarship Programme, a meeting at which I struggled to answer 'tell me about yourself.' A question I hate. However awkward that was, it has been a foundation block to a ridiculous level of improvement within my coaching this year (more to come later on this).
I finished off my ISFA events at St. George's Park. A year of travelling the country, meeting hundreds of people and watching a very high standard of youth football. My first taste of football development and running events. Being able to see how a tournament pulls together, dealing with problems and then enjoying success.
Launching TeamSixteen has been a highlight. Working with friends I have created through the Football Futures Programme, using the skills and knowledge I've developed to lead a national launch and deliver professionally to a high standard of participation and enjoyment. An event launching a national programme for young people, by young people. I took a moment at the launch to sit for a minute and just watch what everyone was doing, playing, supporting, refereeing, encouraging, enjoying - a picture in my memory which I won't forget.. Knowing that I had played a part in it all.
A few weeks later I was in Birmingham working on the National Youth Futsal Festival, again with friends on the FF programme, a new experience for me, hundreds of games, minutes in between kick offs and finishes, microphones, stress and of course enjoyment. I have never worked on an event which catered for so many people, players and parents. Another instance where covering over problems is vital for the running of the event, providing a seamless service and platform of enjoyment for all involved.
I had a quiet summer on the event front, it was nice to relax after my first year of uni, and set up for the second. A few months ago I was at Shropshire FA's FF recruitment evening, delivering a speech about my journey so far. A couple of weeks later I saw a few parents who heard my speech and their comments blew me away. Wandering around at an FA Fanzone to then be stopped and told my speech was so inspiring to them as well as their kids. Words of inspiration, role model and motivation for their kids to keep working hard and follow in my footsteps. I was overwhelmed, trying to hold back tears. I told my Mom the things they said and she ended up in tears.
I've travelled to Leicester and back home to Telford to work at FA Fanzones, promoting the game and the U17 Euros which were held in The Midlands. I enjoyed both events, working with new people, trying out different roles and just being around people. Time seemed to fly, the mass of people who got involved was incredible. Hopefully they have been inspired to take up football or sport.
In a different sense I got my first job in football in September, being selected as the Umiversitiy of Central Lancashire's HE Activator was exciting. I'm now realising that the job is a lot more difficult than I first expected. I still can't understand why people don't like football, but that is a matter for me to solve. I've set up my first projects, which have either launched or are ready to launch in January.. very exciting times ahead!
Coaching has been a huge part of 2013, my personal and professional development has been incredible. Working with Lancashire Schools and becoming national champions was amazing, memories which will last forever, sitting in the dugout of Hillborough hours after turning 19.
The opening of the girls only Tesco Skills Centre in July, a centre which I am fortunate enough to coach at. I honestly think that it's the centre which has enabled me to become the coach which I am. Leading sessions which I may have previously slumped into the background of. Creating creative sessions which allow kids the chance to have numerous touches on the football and the opportunity to try out different ideas. Making pizzas with skills, avoiding aliens, using the ball as a car. I'm not the facilitator I once was, but a coach who challenges their players to be better people as well as players. For this I can only thank Jennie for her support and allowing me the opportunities to do what I have.
I have moved clubs over summer, possibly one of the best moves I've made. Working now with Leyland Albion is class. Being able to work effectively with other coaches to create and provide fun and enjoyable sessions which are built around everyone having a ball. Utilising my creativity to put together session plans and formats, crocodiles and explorers and the recent ninjas and bears.
Working at the Lancs FA Girls PDC is a challenge which I am growing into. I love being around all the players, working 1-1 with individuals when I can.. The next step is to take group sessions or part of sessions.
Finally, working with the county schools U16s and U14s, 2 teams who I love watching and working with. There isn't much better than getting positive responses off the players and being able to offer help when called upon.
As I wrote in the previous post, I've recently applied, been interviewed and been successful in applying for this year Changing Lives Programme. As if 2014 didn't look promising enough, I'll be travelling to Rwanda in February to carry on my personal and professional development worldwide. I'm still on cloud nine about this, the messages I've received have been humbling to read. I look forwards to working with the team and being a part of an unreal experience when the time comes, don't worry I will blog about it all!
I really have had an unbelievable year. I continue to work hard, trek around working with different people on a daily basis. Being the person I want to be and the doing the things I love doing.
Just a few thank yous for this year, as no individual succeeds alone. If your name isn't below don't stress.. I appreciate everybody's help whether it's 1 word or continuous help, so here goes, my heroes of 2013:
Dad, Mom, Becky, Ben, Grandad, Stu, John, Amber, Jennie, Jazz, Lauren, Steve, Sean, Mark, Miranda, James, Adam, Lauren, Tina, Pete, Darren, Amanada, Prathiv, Oli, Shez, Iain, Mike, Kiera, Kate, Eve, Andy, Stephen, Owen, Mick.
Here's to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Finishing with my favourite song, which sums up me, my life and the future..
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