important to be specific about what
you want to do. The message that I
would convey is to be comfortable
with whatever choice you make and
recognise your own value. I know of
people who are involved in coaching
5-8 year olds that feel perhaps they
are overlooked and seen with less
importance than someone coaching
kidfrom 9-12 years old in an academy
set-up. In reality, the roles are very
different and require a unique set of
skills to be successful.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO
BECOME A COACH?
It was never really something that
I intended or sought out to do.
Originally I wanted to study physics
at university but after sustaining a
knee injury at school which ruled
me out of any physical activity, I was
encouraged by the PE department to
take part in one of the SFA’s coaching
courses at Dundee United. After not
really enjoying it at first, I realised
that it was probably the only way that
I could keep football in my weekly
r outine. After going back a second
time, I came to the conclusion that
“Grassroots coaches are just as
valuable as elite coaches - it’s
important for all the coaches
working with young players to
understand that.”
there was probably a better way of
doing things than what was currently
in place with regards to coaching. I
started my own classes which led to
my own businesses and eventually it
became a full time job, to the point
where my career as a physicist was
no longer achievable!
Issue # 1 | YFS Magazine | 39