Where do you work?

Crystal Palace.

How would you describe your role?

I oversee the U13 – U16 age groups in the academy and keep the best players in the club.

 

How long have you performed the role?

I am starting my 3rd year full time. Before that, I performed the role for 5 years on a part time basis.

Why did you want to work at Crystal Palace?

I wanted to help youngsters fulfil their potential.

What educational qualifications do people need to perform your role?

FA/UEFA Coaching Qualification, 1st Aid and DBS.

What practical experience do people need to help them to obtain your role?

On the job coaching experience.

Are there any particular personal skills which people need to have to perform your role?

 

Great people and communication skills.

 

Organised and flexible.

 

What do you enjoy about your work?

 

Seeing kids achieve and improve.

 

What can be challenging about your work?

 

Parents, not enough time to coach and anti-social hours.

 

Fondest memory

 

Helping a lad I had coached for four years make the England squad.

Do you have any words of advice?

Listen, watch how other coaches work and get loads of practice.

 

It is a very competitive industry and is not very well paid. You have to have a real passion for sport and young people.

 

Don’t be in a rush to coach the older age groups.