I am, and will be forever grateful to so many people.
Right now I feel empty. The final whistle has gone, and I've
left everything out there. Exhausted. But I know my roller-coaster kart in
reaching the end point whizzing and whirling, with me laughing and screaming
along. Returning for me to get off, for the next group of people to take the
ride.
Whilst this will be a tough transition, where I will slide
along the change curve, it is also a time where I will continue to be generous
and waste no compliments.
To Steve, Donna, Lauren & Karl - I have lived recent
years in taking risks and chances on people who I believe could realise their
potential. I have lived in the knowledge that you all took a chance on me in
speaking at that programme launch, representing The FA and putting me into
arenas where I had no choice but to learn and grow.
You all have given me something which I will never be able
to put into words, you've given me somewhere I belong, and somewhere I will
always call home.
A sense of belonging I have been trying to create for
everyone associated with our work, programme. A place where people feel safe.
To Amber - We wouldn't have met in the street, but I'm glad
life brought us together. I have the most beautiful friendship, which I wouldn't
change for the world. We've shared a lot of moments, life changes and
successes. It comforts me to know I have you holding me up when I cant find the
strength myself. I'm excited for all that is ahead for us both.
Through The FA's Youth Leadership Programme, I have a
collection of the most valuable treasure. Friendship.
To all of my team mates, over the past five and half years I
have strived to be a colleague you've been glad to have. I have enjoyed being a
part of your journeys, and for you being a part of mine. Whether our friendship
has outlived our time together representing the Youth Council or not, I'm
grateful for your presence.
To Kieren, thank you for entrusting me with the baton. I've
have been proud to carry on from you, and kept a safe grip on our dreams and
started to bring them to life.
I wanted to represent The FA Youth Council to allow others
to feel how I once did, I've ended up with the ambition to ensure that everyone
has the opportunity to find and be their best self.
To my support network, of mentors, not so young people with
young hearts, passers by who might not have been here for a long time - but
most definitely created moments and opportunities for me to realise my own
potential. I wouldn't be the person I am, if it wasn't for those who are
generous with their time- whether it's reading my long emails, picking up the
phone, forcing me to use my words or just sitting in silence. I see you all,
and now you see me.
The best thing, is the chapter ends but the book doesn't.
What I know for sure, is the people around me are here to stay. Not because of
a role, but because of who I am. I'm grateful for their time, that already
spent and the minutes yet to come.
To our people, our youth leaders - I don't think I will ever
come to understand the impact I have had, I hope over the next few weeks and
months, as I reflect, I will be able to appreciate the small parts played in
the lives of others. Thank you for coming on this journey with us, for being
all in, for entering the arena and showing up. Your energy inspires me to keep
pushing my own glass ceiling - please do right by you and your people. It's the
least the world deserves.
Good people bring out the good in people. I believe my
purpose is to be a good human being. In doing so, I can only hope that other's
can find and live their purpose. We're in a privileged position to be able to
change people's lives, a power which cannot be underestimated.
To The FA - I did at one point try to work out how much
money the organisation has invested in me. I stopped, and just decided to
appreciate that wouldn't have happened if I wasn't a good return on investment.
I've lived through too many restructures, and seen colleagues and friends move
on which has been painful. I've also seen the organisation announce a huge
amount of funding for Youth Leadership over the next few years. Thank you for
believing in us, please keep the faith.
To my family, and to Ben - my proudest achievement to date
is giving you someone to rely on, to depends on and trust. Someone who allows
you to live your own dreams because you've seen me living mine.
I've been inspired, and hopefully inspired. My time within
The FA's Youth Leadership Programme as a youth leader has come to an end.
Through this blog, I have tried to encapsulate the journey, the truth is no
words can describe the feeling I have and the culture we hold so close.
The memories I have will be guarded for the rest of my life.
I now pass on the baton to Chris, Roya & Alex. Three
people who lead with their hearts, and have my full support.
My Dad told me, 'if you do what you enjoy, you will be the
richest person the planet.' Thank you for giving me a wealth I didn't know I
needed, but never want to lose.
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