Immediate Thoughts - #FFCamp15

The last 6 days have been amazing - so amazing that I cannot word nor begin to explain. Nor am I going to. Well aware of my reflective capabilities, I'm going to sit on my thoughts for the next week or so and pull them together when I can catch my breathe. 

Not wanting to leave the blog on a blank slate, I'll attempt to drop my immediate thoughts, hopefully they will make sense or offer some suggestion of what I mean. 

In the pre-camp blog I said I went into the week with a different kind of nerves. An apprehension of not knowing where my National Game Youth Council or Football Futures path leads. Nerves of wanting to better last year, knowing that the little things were going to be the difference. 

I've always said the event and destination isn't always the important part, but the people you are travelling and working with. This week has allowed me to build some amazing friendships, strengthen ones which are already there and work with 99 outstanding young people who have truly inspired me. 

There have been many 'smile moments' and I'm glad that people have taken on board the idea of lollipop moments. Small random moments of significance to you, not to the world but to the individual. Some people might not realise they are creating them, but lollipop moments are all around us - we need to start recognising them and celebrating them. 

Entering the week I didn't set any goals, but my thoughts were around quality not quantity. Could I have a handful of meaningful impacts / relationships over numerous insignificant ones? I'd like to think I've achieved that. How do I know they've been meaningful? I don't know, the messages I've received today have blown me away and might be proof - but it's in what comes next. Do those people go and make a bigger difference? 

I'm flitting between thoughts and ideas, rolling through Camp Blues and to be honest don't really know where I'm going with this. Never did I think I'd get the privilege of this journey, neither did I think it would take over my life and emotions. How wrong could I be? 

This week I've felt like the richest person in the world. Rich on life, the exhilarating moments it has given me. The opportunity to meet and spend time with people and then see them progress. See them eager and determined to learn, to want to do more and be more.

Before the emotions take over, again, I'm going to leave it here, well until I can formulate actually relevant and structured thoughts and feelings..

I'm exceptionally proud to be a Football Futures Ambassador, to be associated with something which actively changes people's lives through the most amazing vehicle of football. Leadership isn't something we should work towards, but something we should embrace. Football Futures changes the lives of the people who understand the importance of being a better person, and striving to develop themselves and others. 

You don't have to change the world, to change the world; there are 6 billions perceptions of the world, and if you can change one person's view, then you have done just that. 

FFCamp15 - Pre-Camp

There's a video on FATV somewhere from day 1 of the FA Football Futures National Camp 2012, unfortunately for the viewers I feature a couple of times and have been caught saying, 'I've come to be inspired so that I can go and inspire.' At that moment in time I knew I was embarking on a special journey, which had in fact already started, I was in presence of some incredible people, but hadn't yet realised and was about to enjoy a week which was to change my viewpoint on football completely. 3 years on, we are hours from The FA Football Futures National Camp 2015 and I'm a part of the FA's National Game Youth Council who will be delivering the week. 

3 years ago, I enjoyed 5 days at Hereford College for the Blind, surrounded by enthusiastic young leaders who wanted to be better, at what I'm not too sure. At the time we all thought better at our football related roles, now it's a much different thought.. In actual fact we were becoming better people. (For a full view on FFCamp12 check out the 'Leader Life Leader Legacy' post from a few years ago). What Camp taught me, and Football Futures continues to do so, is that the destination isn't always apparent, the journey is most important - that developing moving pathway we're all on- essential to that is our companions along the way. My 5 days at Camp were inspiring, my peers, camp councillors (now mentors) and the Youth Council who ran the week. I walked away wanting to become someone like the people I had the pleasure of being with that week. I'd like to think I'm on the right track, but after all, we're not human shaped robots following each other and creating copies. 

Now moving towards my 3rd Camp, 2nd as a part of the FA National Game Youth Council, I'm as excited and apprehensive as I was 3 years ago, but now for many different reasons. I'm now the one doing the inspiring, well trying. I have an incredible amount of time for the people who inspired me those years ago, without them and in fairness the memories I wouldn't be who and where I am. It's my role to inspire others to go and be the best they can be, to help them and offer advice and guidance. That's huge. Last year, I learnt what it feels like to do just that. Words cannot even begin to cover it. To inspire and influence staff, mentors and young leaders. Young leaders who mentioned me in their blogs, tweet and update me on how their lives are going.. That's something really special. 

This year, I sense a different kind of nerves. To steal a quote from Steve Swallow, this is our 'swan song' (who knew swans could sing?!) as the National team that we are. My future is starting to unfold and being 100% honest I don't know where my NGYC and Football Futures path leads to or looks like. Some would say that's exciting, for me that fragile. For something which has been a huge part in my recent life and journey to where I am, being uncertain isn't pleasant. It means too much, and I don't really want it to end. 'Letting go' as it's been described, but I guess my grip is too tight. I get the feeling this may be the end to a new beginning, one door closing and all that... I maybe wrong. 

The tweets are starting to roll in as we edge closer. More proudly, I'm reading tweets from last year's Young Leaders. People who I spoke to and helped, just to get through a week, who are saying how camp made them feel and what they're up to.. It's fantastic to be apart of. I am really looking forwards to seeing and meeting this years' group of 99 young leaders, getting to know them and understand the current climate of young people in football. The environment of camp might be similar, but it's new people. And that the great thing about it. 

As Football Futures is changing we need to keep up, remember it's about collecting experiences, not hours. For those attending next week, we need to fuel them with enthusiasm and give them the best experience they've had yet. Quite a challenge? I think so. An exciting challenge, most definitely. For me, Camp is a catalyst for thoughts of where / who we are and where we want to be.. The catalyst in realising that leap of faith is possible. 

I expect an emotion packed week where I will pick up and learn just as much as the young leaders attending. I've not yet set an goals, bit of shock coming from me, the only real thought is not to cry during closing ceremony, again. 3rd time lucky I guess. We may have timetables and plans, but it will be an unpredictable week. 

My only advice to all involved: make the experience count. 

Women's Sport Week 2015 - BBC Women in Football Debate

This week [beginning 1st June] is Women in Sport Week. A week to celebrate females in sport and how far it has come, that of performers, journalists, coaches, officials and so much more. Today I was at the National Football Museum in Manchester for the Women in Football debate, representing The FA and FA National Game Youth Council. Alongside me were a number of females who hold a plethora of different roles within football, journalists to editors, directors to coaches to discuss key problems females face within the game. 

Led by Jacqui Oatley a panel of females discussed the current FIFA issue and how females should be holding higher order roles within the game. The problem of sexism in football doesn't seem to be going away, over 66% of females say they have been exposed to a sexist act, however 89% of women say they wouldn't report a problem if they saw one. We need to know where to draw the line, how do we know where banter ends and sexism starts? Who decides? Every female will have their own 'banter tolerance' which will vary, some will take more than others. Sexism is now a thing of the minority, not the majority. But that still is not enough. 14/ 15 year old Izzy, a coach from Blackpool spoke of the troubles she has faced. She has faced sexism already, players questioning why females are coaching, why she isn't playing netball and doing girl stuff. Is this a problem being caused by the players, or do we need to look wider? Are parents and the older generation imposing their archaic views on our young generation and players? Instilling beliefs which are being outdated by the day, influencing perceptions which is influencing the game. Although a minority, this group could tip and roll into a minority if the wrong voices are heard [See Malcolm Gladwell - Tipping Point for further thoughts]. 'Women are getting everywhere' was another quote, we're not trying to steal the game of football, just be a part of it and make it OUR game. 

The number of females taking up senior positions within the game is increasing, the want for more is also increasing. Part of me thinks this is the right way to go, but as it was alluded to, we should be looking for the 'right' people, and the right person shouldn't come in to end a stigma or stereotype, but because they are the right person for the job. Is it all about getting females in within higher order roles? Definitely not. Yes, that is a nice ambition and vision, but the ideal view is to have more females working in the game at all levels. I don't think there is a right way, is it get people in the top and work down, or flood the bottom with females who can work up. Or, can we attack all areas and just have a simple goal of increasing the number of females within the game?

The talk of role models and use of education was seemingly constant. Education around the possibilities within the game. A game which is bigger than the game, if that makes sense. Football is much more than the 22 players on a pitch and referee. The stadium built around the pitch represents the plethora of different roles available, marketing, punditry, reporting, development, education, working in football clubs, the list could be endless.. but most people wouldn't know it. Is this lack of knowledge stalling the snowball at the top of the hill before it gathers speed? Is it education around what is on offer which is needed to get more females into the game? Maybe. Programmes and projects are already in place to try and achieve this outcome, Women in Sport are piloting a scheme which takes female role models from different areas of the game into schools to speak to Year 11s about the opportunities on offer. Maybe year 11 isn't the right year, but this is the pilot, hoping to influence young people and hopefully open up different thoughts around college and university options. 

What we need to be aware of is that everybody is a role model in one way or another. It's not all about those with major social status working at an elite level. I'm quite open to the fact that all of my role models can be found in my phone contacts, they are tangible people who inspire me everyday in life not just football. They inspire me because of who they are, not what they do. I think we need to be aware when using 'role models' that they are relatable and can provide insight and direction. I watched a TED talk earlier this week - link at the bottom - by a guy called Drew Dudley around everyday leadership. He tells a story of how he made someone's life better through a 'lollipop moment' I recommend watching the video. A 'lollipop moment' is a tiny moment where someone does something or says something which changes your life for the better. That person may not even realise they've done it. What we miss out, is telling them they've done and recognising it. The video aims to define leadership, it's not a status to work towards, but something we all hold and perform acts of all of the time. Just because it's not changing 'THE' world, doesn't mean it wont change someone's perception of it. I've had my own lollipop moment, as I'm sure you will have too. Mine was a cheesey wotsit moment, but it's something you remember which has made a difference.

The point of me putting the above, as I hope you will have been able to pick up, females at all levels of the game inspire others. Just by being in the game, others are being inspired to follow in the footsteps. Having tangible mentors, role models and people to ask for advice is important to maintain people in the game. There is valuable evidence that social learning is more effective than formal learning, working with experienced others support this - maybe this is something we can exploit within our game? 

The next few weeks/ months are incredibly exciting for female football, the world cup, FIFA16 news and the increased age for mixed football. It's a great time to be in the game, but as those working within it wanting to increase the female influence, we need to make the best use we can of this time. 

I had an incredible day today and even managed to throw my own 50 pence worth in around coaching and my view of what we should be focusing on, lets remember personalities are more important than abilities. It was fantastic to be in the same room as other females who have really made a difference within the game in all areas and are passionate about developing the game and influencing others to become a part of it.

Female football is in the best place it has ever been in. Maybe it is lagging behind, catching up on the 50 years which were missed out, or just taking slow and steady steps in the right direction. A hard and fast approach probably isn't right, as females we're probably questioning every decision hundreds of times before going through with it and planning in depth to make sure everything will work out.

Slow and steady wins the race right? The ever changing nature of the game is obvious, but change for the good. The majority are pulling in the right direction and progress is being made.

Change is inevitable, progress is optional.

Be grey.

Drew Dudley: Everyday Leadership - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAy6EawKKME

An open letter to LSFA Girls...

Dear All (players, parents, coaches, staff),

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Lancashire Schools FA Organisation for the last 3 seasons, and for putting up with my poor attempts at making jokes and banter. 

Things could easily have taken a turn for the worst following the 'awkward turtle moment' on that day in Skelmersdale, if you don't know the story - don't ask, but it didn't.

I've enjoyed the roller-coaster ride which I have been taken on, the ups, downs, and moments of feeling sick with emotions - times such as the semi final v Essex in 2013, Northern Counties Final 2015 and U14s penalty shoot out in the recent national final. Who knew football could do that to you?

3 seasons of being involved, 3 birthdays which have involved some sort of LSFA event. I doubt I'd have things many other way, with it all culminating to last Wednesday, my 21st and the National Finals - definitely a day to remember. The level of emotion from all involved, knowing the height of the occasion, the possibility of becoming double national champions and seeing the season's work all fall into place. I'd been certain for weeks that both age groups would win, and I'm glad I got to see it happen.

There have been high and low points, but I have genuinely enjoyed being around everyone and having my own moments which will live long in the memory. I don't do a lot, but being able to develop relationships and change perceptions has been great. Seeing players develop as people on and off the pitch, hearing of players moving into CoEs and being genuinely excited to go to matches and watch the level of football being played - I've turned into a fan, there is simply no other way to put it.

Last Wednesday provided me with the moment of my life, running onto the pitch as Lottie the Lion to be hugged by a number of U14s celebrating their win, that including a player who I didn't get on well with at the start of last season. Cheesey/ sappy yes, but sometimes it's the small moments like that which make all of the time put in worthwhile. 

And so, my LSFA journey has finished on a high. I can only thank Mike for letting me be a part of the set up, an organisation which so closely replicates that of the club environment I used to be a part of as a kid. I'm sure his growing trophy collection only begins to cover the success the organisation has brought. To the other coaches/ officials who have allowed me to watch and learn from them, and again be a part of the team. 

To the parents who have provided endless conversations and banter and taken an interest my own life as well as that with county sides. Late night conversations in Sheffield, bar talk in Surrey and singing at my last week - it is all very much appreciated. 

Finally to the kids, there isn't too much to say other than thank you. I hope you've learnt something from me, whether that's from an inspirational story, a silly one - like the one about my only goal scoring header or from something else. I've never really been too worried about on-field matters, because I understand that football is a game to be enjoyed not endured, and that's important no matter who you play for or where. 

Thank you to all involved again, my very best wishes for the new season and beyond.

#StrongerTogether

(Sassy/ Sass) Sarah 

Work out who you want to be, not what you want to do.

The Real World..

It's occurred to me that I haven't blogged so much recently, which isn't because I've stopped trying to tell the world about my life, but because I've actually been getting on with my life, if you catch my drift?! I'm less than a month away from finishing my degree, less than a month away from being free to do whatever I fancy... Let's not lie, it's an incredibly scary prospect, not knowing what is coming next. Despite the excitement of those around me, the next few weeks fill me with a lot of fear. 

After changing my views of my future numerous times since starting university, my mind seems to be contstantly worrying about the first step being in the wrong direction, and that I am almost playing it safe, rather than taking a risk into a completely different area of society. Although my thoughts have changed, I think the last few years have taught me that it might not be football which is where my passion lies, but just being in a position to help and work with young people. Football Futures has allowed me to use football to work with people and be able to support others, which has been and continues to be incredible. The programme, to me, is about developing people using sport.. Not so much the developing the future of the game as people like me will realise that football and sport is such an amazing vehicle, not such much a destination.

So, the last few weeks have been spent applying for jobs and thinking about what I want, and to be honest, I still don't know. Fortunately for me, the first job I've applied for resulted in an interview, which I am waiting for the result  I've thrown my name into the hat for a couple of others and the response as yet is unknown. For me, being offered an interview so early on holds a number of feelings, obviously excitement and contentment that my experience and applications are pitched at the right level, that on paper I'm close to what is wanted. But on the flip side, a little bit of unsurity, my friends weren't so fortunate and so I feel bad for finding what seems to be early success. 

What seems to be good, is that the things I've written about in this blog, experiences and skills gained through Football Futures have most definitely put me in the position I am. I back myself to put the right information on paper, however it's then being confident and competent face to face. One thing which the last few years haven't taught me, is how to be myself in interview situations. I know myself inside and out and that interviews are situations which don't come around very often, I take them seriously and struggle to be myself and get my personality in, that's kind of a nice bonus if things go well. 

Most people know me as a deep thinker and as a worryer, definitely not a warrior, and so the points on this blog will come as no real surprise. I think it would be unnatural to not be nervous at all with what the future holds, I could insert numerous quotes here of, 'the best way to predict the future is to create it' and 'if your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough' but when you're unsure of what you want, it's pretty difficult to move in that direction. On a film I watched last night, there was a line of, 'figure out what it is you want, and work through any barriers which come in the way of getting there' it's quite difficult when you aren't sure of either. 

So, the real world awaits. One where I haven't got the soft cushion of education for boundaries to work along. Where responsibility will come in the bucket loads and hiding simply isn't an option. 

I've been thinking this for a while and it continues to perplex, I'll have to make the jump sooner or later.. 

BUCS SMG

Another opportunity to test my self and be better. Arriving down into London umbrella in hand might offer the idea of a pessimist. However, I'd like to go with the thought of a well planned person. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. After being asked to think about not taking the position over Christmas, I was in a few minds as to whether I would be challenged, if it would be exactly like I've done before or something completely new.

I'm pleased that it was the latter. A completely different experience, a much smaller group with a certain direction to move in. Other than an opportunity to be better and support a national project, I wasn't too sure what I wanted/ want to get out of the experience. I guess, it's a chance to support others on a national programme, using my experience to support others though their first national event planning and delivery. 

Decided not to delete the above, written over a month ago following the first meeting with the BUCS Student Management Group, we have since met again at Wembley. Again with my umbrella in hand, wind whistling around the stadium permiter, the wind swept and interesting look seemed to go down a treat. 

We are now well on the way to creating our conference, workshops have been decided and tutors are starting to be confirmed. This new look at running events is proving exciting, an opportunity I'm very pleased to have taken. Along with piecing together the conference, on Tuesday we were treated to a look in on the BUCS potential strategy planning for the new season, what would we as students select as key priorities and why. Deep level thinking, creating rationales and really starting to understand the challenges with are faced within university football development. 

As things slowly start to fall into place, the excitement is starting to rise. Small tasks are being spread amongst the team and gaps are starting to be filled, the agenda is filling up and we are edging closer to to opening the application window, the nerves are starting to kick in. Nerves, as I've been told, show you care apparently. I'm hoping everything pulls together and we deliver a really worthwhile 2 day event, that people turn up and that the team are rewarded for the hardwork which has and will be put in.

At the top of the piece I wrote how I want to support others with their project planning. After Tuesday's meeting, I think I'm well on the way to doing that and I'm really enjoying seeing others develop throughout the process. The progress we've made as a team and individuals so far has been great, now the challenge is to see how far we can go! 

Onwards.