I'm incredibly excited to be able to continue working as a Regional Officer in the North West, carrying on supporting the plans which were put into place prior to the Christmas break. Already, and only a month into the new year, things have moved on very quickly! It's fantastic to see the hardwork put in last year being rewarded.
Just a few days ago Cheshire FA launched their Youth Forum. Following a meeting I had with them in November it was incredibly pleasing to see plans put in place and then actioned within a short space of time. For that to happen it shows how I've been abe to influence others who have now recognised the importance of young people's voices within their game. Although it is becoming very cliche-y it's true, it is happening everywhere, those creating and modifying the game don't have to endure it. I'm hoping this is the start of a change in Cheshire... Things can only get better!
In Lancashire we have recognised the first 2 clubs with the Youth Onside Award, recognising the fantastic work the clubs do to allow young people to have a say in how their club it run. Both Shevington FC and Layton Juniors FC have created junior / youth committees who are actively being listened to. The feedback we've had is that the adults within the clubs are surprised and left open-mouthed during and after every meeting.. Really having their eyes opened to how young people see the game.
The Lancashire FA Youth Council are now creating a Youth Development Day for all of the clubs who are working towards Youth Onside status. This is to reward and start to develop the young people on committees/ councils / projects and allow them the opportunity to progress further and put out new ideas to their clubs. It's important for us to develop those who have stood up and are actively making a change within their club.
Alongside this, the Youth Council are supporting the LFA Young Volunteers event in April and will be looking to build off the back of it. There are some fantastic and hardworking young volunteers in Lancashire, we're now looking to create a pathway for them. Instead of attending 1 event and then not seeing them for a year, we are creating Leadership and Coaching Groups which will aim to further develop the young people in the county.
It's all systems go, if we could do more I'm sure we would!
Earlier in January I was approached by Manchester FA and asked to be a part of their working group leading up to their Football Futures Camp which is coming up during February half term. A new experience for me, now not just supporting youth council developments, but actively supporting wider projects within a County FA. Incredible also that they came looking for me, I don't think words can explain the feeling of being wanted/ needed. I'm now challenged to think differently and strategically on way to prolong success and ensure the camp delivers to the needs and outcomes desired. Using the experience I have to support others. I'm now really looking forwards to attending the day and seeing the event pull together, and then of course what is built on the back of it to keep young leaders involved.
Nationally we've got the pilot of our Empowering Youth project, I'm incredibly proud that Lancashire have been selected to pilot the scheme to run alongside the Youth Onside project. Another challenge for our youth council and myself to deliver the workshop to club and league officials to try and influence them to go away and empower young people. Creating a chain reaction which will hopefully start a culture of change within the county.. we can hope!
Also looking ahead to National Camp, scary I know, how can we change it to ensure it is fresh and not just a carbon copy of the previous one. I'm looking forwards to working closely with Ads, our head of projects, on this one. Gaining a bit of a deeper insight into his role and what goes on, on the build up to camp.
It's quite a weird feeling knowing that this term as a NGYC member is only 6 months long, it gives me the opportunity to really push on and continue to develop the North West, I can link into other roles and see how they work and be a part of any changes which come about with the new National Game Strategy.
Thinking back to a year ago, walking into the first meeting not knowing what to expect, I can see a different/ change within myself and the way I think within meetings. It's quite a powerful image to see, not just the statically side of things, but the person who I've become through this whole experience. The people I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with, let's be honest, if it were possible, I'd love to do this kind of stuff every minute of everyday. Having any role in football is one to be cherished, and to be able to do what I do is on another planet.
Uni is starting to get scary, getting marks back and seeing 5 deadline dates left until I leave. It's been pleasant to pick up 87% and 90% in a couple of assignments I've now got to the point of working out what I need to get the final grade I want! the 'J' word is being used more and more which is worrying because I'm still now sure what to do. Luckily I've got plenty of things to get on with in the meantime.
Busy week coming up over half term attending different events, we'll be presenting the first Youth Onside award, continuing to build projects and I'll be as busy as ever trying to support and help where possible.
Fast start to the year, now it's not about keeping up and doing everything at 100mph, but staying in the race.. Maybe running off the track and into another direction.. I don't know. Time will tell.
