Sports Development, 2009
Football Development Officer – Gloucestershire Football Association
When I graduated in 2009 with a degree in Sports Development, I took on my usual job working for Cheltenham Borough Council as a Sports Leader for their holiday activity camps. My course of study had delivered all the relevant information surrounding contemporary sport development issues and coaching practice as well as equipping me with the specific skills to work with a variety of organisations in the sports development field.
I soon began working as a Community Coach for Cheltenham Town FC within their ‘Football in the Community Programme’. Through this work I delivered a multitude of coaching sessions within curriculum PE, after-school clubs and holiday camps. The experience I gained in this role led to me taking up a position at the Gloucestershire Football Association where I now work and where I deliver ‘The FAs National Game Strategy’ within Gloucestershire and Bristol. I work with clubs, leagues, coaches, schools, colleges, universities and a variety of other partner organisations to deliver grassroots football and develop the game.
The aim of my role is to work with the community to grow and retain participation in grassroots football whilst also raising standards to make football a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone. I work closely with both youth boys’ and girls’ clubs to help develop their player base so that every child has the opportunity to play the game.
I also focus on delivering the Football Futures Young Leadership & Volunteering Programme, which supports and develops young volunteers to produce a skilled football workforce. In my spare time, I continue to coach twice a week at Leckhampton Rovers, here in Cheltenham.