Let's Be Honest

With little over 2 weeks before jetting off to Rwanda I feel that now is a good time to fill in a couple of blanks and have a bit of a mind dump I guess.

So the latest news is that I've been offered and have taken a position on The FA's National Game Youth Council. A very exciting addition to this years' agenda. I know, I thought I was busy enough! But as you may have seen in previous posts, this is something which I wanted. The only thing that I struggled to get over last year with disappoint, but I've worked incredibly hard to put myself into a contending position. I'm already relishing the opportunity to meet new people and work within a team who really want to make a difference and along side determined individuals. What a workforce we have!

We had our first meeting just over a week ago, a surreal experience. Excitement, apprehension, nerves all packed into me. However much I enjoyed the new environment and working with our fantastic team for the first time, I struggled to concentrate. I couldn't switch off to switch on.

The same weekend as this meeting we had our Rwanda Induction. 2 days of preparations for our trip to deliver The FA Changing Lives Award! I had a phenomenal time with the team, and I honestly think we are an incredibly strong group of people who will make a huge difference to the community we work in. It's been said enough times, we all bring different strengths and attributes to the table and we've all earned the right to go on the programme.

The workshops/sessions we were in were really enjoyable and thought provoking. The weekend has really brought to life the journey we are embarking on, I don't just mean the thousands of miles to get to Rwanda! But the impact we will have, the difference we will make and how the trip will be life changing for us, not just those who we work with. When I think back over the last couple of years and the amount of people I've worked with it's quite astounding, but I don't and haven't really seen the impact which I've had. Where as, I think about Rwanda and it's a completely different story. I feel like everything will be magnified by a thousand percent. Within that short space of a week there will be so much development and it will come in many forms. I guess that by working with the same people day in day out you can see the affect you're having.

I came away from those 2 days in a weird mood, I cant really describe it in any other way. Rwanda has taken over my thoughts, it's taken over me! I'm continuously speculating what might happen, challenging my thoughts - what will you do if...? What if you make a mistake? So many What ifs.

Through my blog it's so easy to become a keyboard warrior and put on my armour.. but really I'm getting quite nervous. I don't want to let people down, it think that has become a way of life for me.. constantly worrying about other people, what they're thinking and seeing. I've not got that rocket up my backside, and even if I did I wouldn't ever light it. That little spark where you can run out of your comfort zone and take the chance of it being in the wrong direction. I'm working on it.

I have and will to continue to say that Rwanda will be a catalyst to developing personally and professionally. I honestly believe that once we've landed in Rwanda I'll feel fine and I'll make the most of every second - I know so. But for now, the nerves are sticking around.

Having the thoughts of Rwanda and my roles for the weeks, all the plans, team morale the lot is so exciting. I couldn't switch off from this to switch on to National Youth Council. I tried, but it just wouldn't happen.

I cant wait to be boarding the plane with the team and get going. It will be an unbelievable personal journey, I'm ready for it. I might come back a different person, but I'd rather come back a better person.

It's been difficult to write this post, but I don't want anyone to think this is a one off. I get nervous about everything. I've become a self-doubting pro. Pick out any event, opportunity, coaching session and there has been a certain level of nerves and anxiousness. However much I look forwards to something, there is always a monkey on my back questioning things. Maybe I'm getting good at hiding these emotions and feelings.. I'd like to think so.

Because of the above, the trip to Rwanda will hit me hard and will have a huge effect on me personally. As I've said, I'm ready for it. It's this waiting which I'm struggling with. I've too much time to think and as the quote goes, most of the time over-thinking creates a problem which wasn't there to begin with.

I've chosen problem solving as my behaviour to try and improve over the course of the week, I think that from the above and my own thoughts/feelings they wont always be practical problems to solve. But that's a challenge in itself.

It will be difficult for me to blog daily in Rwanda because I like to reflect deeply and take my time. But I will definitely have a blog post [if not a few] once we return. I'm looking at the possibilities of videos every other day with video diary clips, snapshot in the moment thoughts to give a flavour of daily events. That's the plan, but as I've been warned, I will need plan X, Y and Z.. not A, B and C.

Over and out amigos, see you on the other side.

http://vimeo.com/84705012

2014... Lets Go

Happy New Year to all readers, Thank You for coming back and not making it your New Years resolution to stop reading! :P

So, I've got quite a year ahead of myself. A dream of mine came true over Christmas, which entails an adventure I've wanted for nearly 2 years, unfortunately you'll all have to wait and see what that is. I've got trips across the worlds to look forwards to, some massive challenges involved in that, not just those which meet the eye. Continuing my Activator role, working hard to provide the best service I can for students. My coaching which has already taken off like a rocket over Christmas, opportunities which I couldn't have imagined a few years ago when I started. Volunteering when possible, feels weird that I've had to turn down 2 County FF camps because of Rwanda - lets hope a few others pop up! And this year I will also enter the final year of my degree. Scary stuff, my calendar is filling up quickly.. but I wouldn't have it any other way!

A lot of the above was thrown into my last blog post, so I don't really want to chirp on for too much. I'd like to use this post to outline my goals and targets for the year. I went through my little black book yesterday [for the first time since September] and realised how many targets I had hit. Things like my job, volunteering for 200 hours across the year, don't put too much stress on myself, do what makes ME happy, take every opportunity I can. I've even hit 2 out of 3 goals which I put up as bonuses if you like, things I can control, but ultimately come down to someone else's decision.

The last 3 weeks have provided me with the opportunity to reflect properly, not like I reflect enough already, but to do it constructively and put things up for this year.
Without further I do, this years coaching goals are:

1. Get out of this comfort zone: I've worked hard to get where I am.. but that isn't an excuse to stop. It's a reason to keep pushing on and see how far I can go!
        - Offer more ideas at the Skills Centre and within my grassroots club.
        - Set more, and different 1-1 challenges. Make sure that I revisit any challenges set, make sure that they mean something.
        - Create better and more open sessions. Don't put a lid on things, just because there is a topic or theme, doesn't mean that's what has to happen. Make sure there is a great amount of opportunities to be creative and have decisions to make.

2. Implement my reflection sheet. Which is something I've put together to make my reflections more constructive. I want to get away from just writing what I thought and then leaving it. By having something printed out and on my desk for when I get in, I have to fill it out and build on what's happened.

3. Talk time; gaining and maintaining attention. Make the most of the time available, use it wisely and don't take up time which isn't yours. Remember whose session it is.

I've nailed them down to three, after going over goals and targets I set last year. These 3 are the end product of putting old ones together and building upon them.. not ticking them off and running in another direction.

Last year I set personal goals including using eye contact appropriately, enjoy what I'm doing, get across to different county's FF events, apply for the National Youth Council, apply for my job, learn to say 'no'. Some I've achieved, others are still a work in progress.. but I'm getting there. Like I said, I've only get 1 aim left on my 'uncontrollable' list, which I'm doing all I can to get myself up there.. but the final decision isn't mine.

I've added a few new objectives,
-See how long I can go without drinking alcohol. I got to March last year, slightly spurred on by my knee operation. So lets see if I can get further without something like that to aim for.
-Apply for the Shropshire Youth Council when I can.
-Work towards my Level 2, which is a must!
-Start looking at a dissertation topic.

I've a couple of others which are staying private for now, but non the less, they are still there to be shot at.

Christmas was a welcomed 3 week break, but it's good to be back in the thick of it. I cannot wait for the 17th January, heading down to SGP for the first time this year to meet up with the Changing Lives team and get the wheels in motion for our trip in February.

I hope that you all have a fantastic 2014 and work hard.. in the direction of your dreams.

The Climb

We are nearing the end of 2013, a year filled with events, football, friendship and hard work. Not everything has been positive, setbacks have occurred since the turn of the year and I lost one of best friends and greatest supporters in September. So in Grandad's memory I will dedicate this post to him. 

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..

http://youtu.be/NG2zyeVRcbs 

The Pinnacle

At the start of the year I had a little bit of a panic that I wouldn't have anything to blog about this season. I wondered what the season would hold and whether or not I would have anything near the experiences I had last season. Working on national events, travelling the country, meeting so many people and reaching a level of coaching I could never have dreamt of. Of course, I had my set backs, not making the National Youth Council was pretty devastating.. but I've learnt to control that disappointment and turn it into something positive. Like an arrow, having to backwards before propelling forwards.

I came back over summer, working at the Tesco Skills Centre, attending the county trials, starting my job.. all things which I have worked towards with my volunteering. Using my personal development to help my professional development. Not looking to impress people with my work load, but instead developing myself with the appropriate teams and opportunities. I genuinely thought that was me done, the odd county event here and there, and then developing events within my job.


Just to reiterate something which I quoted in my previous post, Football Futures is about developing people and helping them to reach their summit. This might be helping a player to develop a skill, or helping a peer to improve their confidence... The football part is kind of the common interest point.. the key is personal development.

The last few months have been difficult, being unsuccessful with 2 leadership opportunities with my university and BUCs. 2 opportunities which I would have loved, but I've had to deal with the frustration, learn from them and move on. Sometimes I start believing in fate and all that, and get all wrapped up in 'the one door closes, another one opens' saga. I'm starting to think that's true.

I've recently applied for The FA Changing Lives Programme, the pinnacle of the Football Futures Programme. 4 young leaders granted the opportunity to travel across the globe to deliver a football leadership course to provide peer leaders with knowledge and tools to continue a ripple effect and develop their communities.
I was over the moon after reading an email saying I had been offered an interview. Spinning around on my chair in the office, mega cheesey smile across my face, and I rang my parents to tell them the news in the same 5 minutes. Literally buzzin'.

A trip to Wembley Stadium for an interview, I read and re-read the email millions of times to make sure I had read it all correctly.. most importantly to make sure it was my name at the top. I was due have my interview with ISFA at Wembley last year, but that was moved to Sainsburys cafe, so I wouldn't wait to get the Wembley experience!

So a few days ago, I was at Wembley for my interview, walking in behind West Brom's Steve Clarke was surreal. Seeing all of the photos on the wall.. sounds weird.. but it felt like I was meant to be there.

Delivering my presentation and the interview was nerve wracking. But, I did it properly. None of the quick fire answers which I would have given a few years ago. Lots of eye contact. I was confident and able to take in the questions, pick out key parts and then find a suitable answer. Every now and then I looked to my left, out of the window and into the arena, seeing all of the thousands of seats and the hallow Wembley turf. If nothing else, I had just had an experience of a life time.

I came away from the interview knowing I had left everything I had in that room. Used up all of my best quotes, told all of my stories and I didn't leave any stone unturned. A great feeling knowing I had done all I could, but also a huge amount of apprehension.. knowing that 7 other people had done the exact same.
I know I said; it would be difficult to deal with the disappointment, but if I missed out to 2 of the other 3 females then congratulations to them. I know how hard they have all and continue to work within their communities.

The end to this journey is, it's not over. Steve rang me on my train home and offered me a place on the plane to Rwanda. My reply of 'You're joking' probably wasn't the right response.. but the feeling that hit me was unbelievable.

So, February half term, I'll be jetting off to Rwanda with the FA with 3 other young leaders who have also been selected. A fantastic reward, but an unbelievable opportunity. An opportunity to continue my personal and professional development, allowance for me to inspire people across the world through the language of football who will then pass on this inspiration to others.. lets just take that in.

Inspiring and developing people across the world.  

I look forwards to the challenges that ly ahead. I also want to give this advice:

Football Futures and life is about developing and creating yourself; building yourself around people who will make you happy and those who allow this development to happen whilst standing by your side. By developing yourself and becoming the best version of you, you can actively develop others and inspire them to do the same. Opportunities come and go, but I honestly believe you get what you deserve in the end. Work hard at making a difference to you as well as those around you.. believe me it's being noticed.

Just because I've made it onto The Changing Lives Programme doesn't mean I'm a world beater, it doesn't mean my FF journey will end when I land back in England.. it means that my hard work is paying off and that I've got a challenge on the next level to continue down this road of development both personally and professionally.

Thank you for the messages of congratulations and support so far, they all mean so much. I don't know where I would be without my Football Futures Family, and of course my family whose support wouldn't have got me over the first hurdle of injury 3 years ago.

Going to sign this off with a line my Dad sent me yesterday and a video which has been sent to me:

 The title ‘changing lives’ relates as much to changing your life as it does to changing the lives of the people you will meet in Rwanda. Dad


DREAM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-jwWYX7Jlo

Shropshire FA, FF Recruitment Event

Last night, 6th November, I was at Shropshire FA's Football Futures recruitment evening, an event covering what the programme is, the 6 themes along with a taster session in coaching. 

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 

It's your choice.

Today I watched my beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers play Stevenage in League 1, a good 2-0 win.. Fantastic. Sitting second in the league, probably where we should be.. but this isn't the topic of my post.

Today I observed a minutes silence for remembrance day, a guy from the army, Sapper Clive Smith, who served out in Afghanistan brought out the match ball and spoke at half time. Very inspiring words which will stay with me for a while. He was asked about the accident where he had been blown up/stood on a mine which has left him without a leg and severely injured. His responses were unreal, Smith said, 'I could have lay on that hospital bed and given up, felt sorry for myself, sat in a field of depression.' I'm sure a lot of people  who have these injuries may do that, he carried on, 'I decided to get on with my life, pick myself up and keep going.' 

His words nearly brought tears to my eyes, how someone could go through such a trauma and come out the other side so positive. He spoke of all of the physio he has had and still has, the prosthetics work he has had.. how much hard work it has been. He could have taken the option of being in a wheelchair and never walked again, but he didn't. I watched the guy walk on and off the field twice. He used the words, 'the hard work is paying off.'

Granted, you're reading this thinking, 'Sarah, this is your Football Futures blog, why are you whining on about Wolves and telling me about a guy from the army?' Well here it is, everyday, we have a choice to make- the minute we wake up. What attitude are you going to have today? Choose a positive one that's how the day will turn out, understand that things will happen and try to rinse you of you happiness, but you've got the choice and control stay positive. 

With the Football Futures programme we see, get offered, apply for and take opportunities. On the other hand, we don't always get the opportunities we want, and we don't get a chances that others do. If we let that affect us, when we do get the opportunity, we might drop our effort level and under-perform, we might take with us that negative attitude that we didn't get what we want.

What if you take a positive attitude with you all of the time? Understand why you weren't chosen and take the criticism in a positive light? Praise those selected and be a help on their journey? What if you keep working and realise that every opportunity, big or small, is one for you to enjoy, shine, gain experience and develop? Realise that there isn't an elevator to success, use the stairs and savour each step because without the first one you won't ever reach the last. 

I've had some fantastic quotes sent to me about the FF programme (which will be used in the next post) a number of them saying the programme has been 'life changing' and that 'hardwork does pay off' in one way or another. This from people who have put themselves out there, retrieved everything possible from experiences and looked to develop personally and professionally. Enjoyed opportunities, not sat back and let them roll by. 

Sometimes, inspiration comes from the places you least expect. The guy I heard speak today spoke from his heart and I certainly took it in. The guys who have sent me quotes have done the same, and both of them link. If you're on the end of a setback, treat it as an opportunity, accept the negatives but push them into a positive light. 

Accept that everyone is on a different road, paths may cross, do you best to help others and yourself reach the peaks available. Wake up everyday and choose your attitude wisely because it not only affects you, but everyone around you. 

Is this what dreams are made of?

So I've had my job for over a month. I thought the novelty of having a job in football would wear off, but every time it gets close something comes ups which excites me because it's something I never dreamt of.. or if I did I had no idea how my feelings would explode when the opportunity occurred.

Let me take you back a month, getting the phone call and falling silent after hearing the words 'They'd like to offer you the job.' I thought everything would be a breeze, after all everyone loves football...
Something I've taken for granted is the number of people on the Football Futures programme. Knowing how many people love volunteering in football, I fell into the trap of thinking every one, in the whole, entire, world was like that. Reality slap, they aren't.

Barrier number 1, getting people to be involved within football somehow. I've got to think, 'how can make others enjoy the game?' I cant hope that students will come to me, I have to go to them. But that's the fun part, now my action plan is pretty much written, I've got ideas on the go for festivals, women's initiatives and futsal to build and put into action. Something that I've only ever dreamt of. Typically I only get to see the need product, or be a part of the running. But now, the ownership is all mine. To recruit people to help, sort out venues, formulate plans and then deliver. There is so much behind an event it's unbelievable.

Of course, not everything is plain sailing, there are ups and downs as with everything. Waiting for emails to give me something to do, standing in the rain, not getting the interest you want. But that's all part of the job.

I've had to learn that everything cant be done at the same time, I can't put every plan into action the minute I write it. I've got to learn to spread things over time, think about what's best and the reality of it all. I can hope for hundreds of females to take up football, but I start building Rome today it will be built and still standing in years to come.

Following the first couple of weeks, me settling into the office with my own desk, getting to know everyone that I need to know, I'm starting to find my way. Having meetings and writing plans around what I want to do this season which will have a knock on effect to forth-coming seasons.
The stress and worries that I have/had are slowly starting to disappear into excitement and optimism for the future. I can start to relax and do things at the pace that they need to be done.. not all in the same 5 minutes.

Yesterday I went to The City of Preston Gymnastics Centre and met Preston City Council's Gymnastics Development Officer. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I certainly got swept along. some of the projects which have taken place and continue to build are phenomenal, planning for the future not the immediate. Although my projects and plans aren't on the same scale, I've got the desire to make them the best I can they can be and do everything I can to make things work out.

The little bit of enthusiasm that I lost is starting to come back, seeing the planning dates and aims makes things always feel close. Plans may have been written but there is a long way to go before they are even delivered!

Loving the challenges my job is giving me, I've just got to find a balance between my uni work, volunteering and my job.. starting to find ways around the problem - but it's a long years ahead!