If you are happy to volunteer then there are a plethora of opportunities available everywhere you go, but the paid jobs are a little more elusive.
The main problem I felt, was that there was little guidance as to how to go about getting your foot in the door and developing yourself as a coach. I spent a lot of time asking other coaches, researching online and hassling various football associations for some idea of what to do and how to do it.
This was a long and arduous process and so this article aims to accelerate the process for those starting out in the world of coaching. Over the last few years I have found a number of ways of getting yourself out there and building your coaching ability, knowledge and confidence. To follow is a summary of those.
1.
I cannot stress enough the importance of networking. Talk to anyone and everyone, they will all know something or someone that can help you. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are just three of the many online networking tools available, but far more effective can be going to meet people. Get yourself out there and the opportunities will begin to present themselves.
2.
Do as much coaching as you can and seek out opportunities even if nothing is advertised. Clubs are always looking for coaches to come in and help, it’s just a matter of letting them know you exist. The more coaching you do, the more confident you will become, the better at coaching you become, the better your CV looks and the more people you will meet.
3.
There is so much information available if you know where to look. Compile lists on Wordpress, Blogspot, Twitter etc. of good resources and get hold of some recommended books. I have included a few below.
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4.
While I have heard from some coaches that they have occasionally been disappointed with the quality of courses, I have found them to be a useful learning resource. Furthermore, you will need at least a Level 2 in coaching before you have a realistic chance of getting paid to coach.
If you Google your local FA, there will be a tab on the site for courses they are running throughout the year. I would highly recommend the Youth Award modules run by the English FA and I am yet to meet a coach who has been on these courses who was not impressed. There are also a host of conferences and workshops put on by county FA’s that are great for both learning and networking.
5.
For both advertising yourself and searching for opportunities, Gumtree can be very useful. I and others I know have had great success using the site and if you put up a quick profile indicating that you are looking for voluntary coaching roles, you will quickly be snapped up.
6.
There are a lot of football/coaching blogs out there, but it offers you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the field, even if you are behind in terms of qualifications. Looking at others work, I find that you can significantly overestimate the qualifications and experience of coaches if they write well. I have included a few examples below.
7.
I have already referred to the two sites, but they really are exceptional resources. They can be used to network, obtain information/session plans, get your name out there, learn who’s who in the coaching world and keep up to date on any opportunities, conferences, courses etc. that are available to you.Twitter has a great function which allows you to make lists to appear on your feed to help separate out the different types of accounts you follow.
8.
I have been lucky enough to shadow and work alongside some exceptional coaches and it really is a great way to learn. Even if you disagree with the way they do certain things, it will get you thinking about your own philosophies and developing new ideas. As well as providing an opportunity to learn, through shadowing coaches, you will almost certainly be introduced to other coaches and professionals who will be able to assist your career path.
9.
No one is going to hand you a job and I’m confident the best job you apply for is the best job you have a chance of getting. You may need to look further afield than just your hometown, so make a list of the sites offering the sorts of positions you are after. Below are a few I use.
“Instead of telling the world what you’re eating for breakfast, you can use social networking to do something that’s meaningful”
David Redfern
You can read Davids blog 'Football: as a coach and a fan' here.
COACHING - A HOW TO GUIDE...
When I made the decision to pursue a career in coaching, I assumed I would do a few courses, and everyone would be fighting over me. I wasn’t expecting three figure salaries and to be working with future international stars, but at least a few offers here and there. This is and was, not the case.