For the last week of Black History Month, we are catching up with London FA coach educators about what makes them proud to be part of the coaching community and what advice they would give to aspiring coaches. 

When did you first start coaching? What were your goals at that time?

First started coaching when I was 15, after completing the old Junior Team Managers award at Douglas Eyre. Always aspired to be a PE teacher and had started out supporting some leaders at my local youth club.

What is your current coaching role?

Programme leader at UCFB in Football Coaching and Management.

From the start of your journey to your current role, can you state the length of time it took to attain your highest qualification and how have the qualifications helped you?

I think its not so much the time it took me to reach my highest coaching qualification but the challenges and the h=positive experiences I've had during my coaching journey within grassroots football. I first completed my Junior teams manager award back in 1997 and completed my UEFA A License (Level 4) in 2016. I think the coaching courses that had the most impact on my delivery, understanding and philosophy had to be the FA Youth Modules as they help me understand about the player centred approach to planning and delivery.

Who are your coaching role models?

Chris Ramsey, Hope Powell, Richard Horner.

As an FA affiliated tutor, what advice would you give to grassroots coaches?

Spend more time out on the grass, make mistakes and never forget football is a game.

What are your coaching aspirations for the future?

Technical Director or head of coaching within the Pro Game.

If you are interested in getting your coaching qualifications, you can check out the coaching pathway here. If you have any questions, please get in touch at coaching@londonfa.com.