APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021 , Vol . 7
A person-centred and individualised approach allows the coaches to identify when a young person might be feeling upset or angry . Recognising this was seen as important for offering support and potentially being more lenient if someone ’ s behaviour was out of character .
Freestyling An informal and relaxed setting was identified as being appealing to the participants , and this was something that was identified regularly on feedback forms . Rather than replicating the rules of other environments that the participants encounter such as home and school , staff at BCP aim to create a culture built on mutual respect and trust allowing participants the freedom to be themselves . Coaches and other volunteer staff at the project are visible , without being agents of surveillance and control . The following extract is from observational data captured during one of the sessions :
" When you enter the sports hall , the noise is deafening . There are about 30 girls screaming and laughing as they play football . The girls ’ football is held inside and away from the mixed football to ensure that girls are not excluded based on religious requirements . There are no age groups here , it is everyone in together . It works though . Everyone is involved and having fun . The older , more experienced players are supporting the younger players . Sarah rarely steps in , unless it is to have the final say on whether a goal has been scored . For some of the girls , Benson has just been the starting point , sparking their interest in football . A number of the players have joined teams at school or as part of a local club , but they still keep coming to Benson ."
Sarah , the coach of the girls ’ football session reflected on BCP ’ s approach compared to some other clubs and projects :
" When you ' re in football , there are some strict coaches out there and at the age of five to 10 , I don ' t think they need that . They need enjoyment , happiness , to have a laugh and let them be themselves . At school you have to be quiet all the time , it ’ s a more relaxed environment at Benson . It ’ s an escape . They talk about coming here as freestyling , that ’ s the word they use ." ( Sarah )
The use of the term freestyling is quite telling about the way participants view their experiences provided by BCP . Freestyling implies freedom and doing things your own way . In contrast to more formal coaching sessions , staff at BCP adopt the philosophy that the development of skills should not
Paul Landucci ( Founder , Benson Community project ) and , right , Errol Mason ( Delivery leader , Benson Community Project )
be prioritised at the expense of fun . Instead , they are guided by participants in terms of what they want to achieve from the sessions . Rather than working ‘ on someone ’, the coaches aim to ‘ work with ’ young people .
" If you want to say what you want to improve , then talk about it and we ’ ll work with you ." ( Mark )
The coaching relationship is based on mutual respect , encouraging young people to take responsibility for their own development , if and when they want to progress .
Relationship strategy Coaches are friendly and approachable , which allows participants to come and have discussions about football or life in general whenever they need it :
" With some people they look down at kids . You ’ ve got to try and understand them because sometimes you ' ve got to be like a father figure . Mark is always saying to them , ' if you want to talk to someone you can come and talk to us .'" ( Leon )
Coaches play a vital role as catalysts in supporting participants with their personal development . In an environment that prioritises personal and social development , relationships are developed , and over time , horizons expanded . One of the coaches who was a former participant of the project discussed how being supported by staff at BCP had led to his own development .
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