I volunteer at a local Kent FA accredited soccer school, Pro Futures Soccer Schools during the school holidays. My role involves helping the coaches with tasks, such as laying out cones, helping out with practices and helping support the players. I am proud to be part of the FA Football Futures programme has allowed me to record my volunteering hours and receiving certificates from The Football Association.

This has led to me successfully applying for the Kent FA Youth Council. I love being a Youth Council Ambassador which has allowed me to learn from others and share my own experiences to support the development of Kent football.

I picked up information of the FA Football Futures programme and haven’t looked back. I contacted various companies for volunteering in a football environment and Pro Soccer have been very supportive.

I want to be a top coach one day and volunteering as helped me improve my knowledge of different coaching methods and styles. I am really excited about doing my FA Level 1 coaching quaification this year. Like a lot of young people it can be really difficult make your CV stand out when going for jobs or further educational courses and by adding volunteering and the references from Pro Soccer has given me a great starting point.

I really love seeing the young players on the soccer school learning new skills and having fun. It is much more than them just enjoying the football, it is also about them making friends and developing social skills.

Volunteering has improved my confidence and dealing with other people. It has allowed me to develop a better understanding of coaching and the knowledge needed to help players be the best they can.

My advice to any new volunteers is to be brave, enthusiastic and open to learning from others whilst volunteering.

If you’re a member of a local football club or league, then you’ll know how valuable volunteers are.

#KentFAThanksU is your chance to celebrate and show your appreciation for those volunteers that make the game in your area possible for so many. We have launched a toolkit full of useful resources so clubs and leagues can make the most of the campaign by clicking here.

For more details

For more details of how your club and league can get involved please email volunteer@kentfa.com.

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