Burgh Town FC Under 12's

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FA Qualifications: FA Level 1 coaching. FA playmaker. FA  introduction to first aid in Football.  FA Safeguarding for children.  FA Safeguarding for all.

 I have been with Burgh  since May in the 23/24 preseason. As well as being a coach I’m a secondary school teacher locally and a football enthusiast. I got into coaching through my love of the sport, supporting my youngest son’s passion and the support I received from Ozzy (Y11 Head Coach) during my first year as assistant coach. From that point made it my goal to help the younger generations find their joy for the game, as well as to help them develop their talent, knowledge and understanding of the game that is football.

Lucky I’m being supported by a very knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate assistant coach (Cara Harrison). Working together our aims are to develop each individual player not only as a footballer but also as a rounded young person socially and emotionally. 

My principals when coaching are based around praise, respect, support, lots of fun (we want to see a smile on my players faces), calmness, teamwork and positivity, trust, encouragement with full of enthusiasm, prioritise engagement in all sessions, always being a role model, organised, collaborative and ambitious.

FA Qualifications: FA Level 1 coaching. FA  introduction to first aid in Football.  FA Safeguarding for children. Qualified teacher status. Sports & Exercise science degree. Masters in Education.

This season (24/25), my daughter joined the Burgh Town U11’s team and although I haven’t previously coached grassroots football, I felt I could support the team as a fully qualified secondary PE teacher.

Although not my main sport, football has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I was the only girl on my school and club teams - just like my daughter! I played football throughout my childhood and early adulthood, competing as a centre midfielder in Ladies Teams and at County Level. I then continued to enjoy the sport, playing five-a-side football as an adult with school colleagues.

I love bringing my passion for football and teaching to Burgh Town Football Club and my goal is to help young players develop their footballing confidence (both physically and psychologically) while promoting a love for the game and having lots of fun along the way!

My top tips for developing players:

- Master the basics - develop and refine the fundamental skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting. These are the building blocks of the game and will make everything else easier as you progress.

- Anticipate the next move: Scan the field, read the game and think ahead to stay one step ahead of the play.

- Be Resilient: Accept that mistakes are part and parcel of the game and an important part of development. Learn from them, stay focussed and work hard to improve. Resilience will help you grow as a player and a person .