My Level 2 Journey
I work as a PE teacher in Walthamstow teaching 11-16 yr old children. Last year I started coaching a girl’s football team and a Yr 7 boy’s football team.
Having completed my Level 1 Coaching Certificate three years ago I had a basic knowledge of football coaching but I wanted to improve my understanding of the game. This would give me the confidence to demonstrate skills, help the students more and structure classes better.
I heard about the Female Coach Development programme through my local County Football Association and it sounded perfect for me.
The Prep Course…
I started the prep course in January. I was initially quite nervous as I had only started playing football recently and my football knowledge wasn’t extensive. I shouldn’t have worried though because everyone had different levels of skill and ability. The whole idea of the prep course is to prepare you for the actual Level 2, pointing out areas where you can improve so everyone will be at the right level to pass the final assessment.
The mentors were very supportive and gave us constructive feedback and set realistic goals to work to. The bonus of the prep course is that we had a much better idea of what to expect on the actual course.
The Level 2 course arrives…
I arrived on day one to see some familiar faces from the prep course, which was comforting. Straight away we were made to feel welcome by the tutor who put us at ease. All the girls were put in the same group which was a massive bonus because we worked well together and could support each other.
It was hard work at the beginning of the week and I felt a bit overwhelmed sometimes when I was playing but the tutor had a very good teaching manner and was upfront about areas we had to improve. After nervously delivering my first coaching session I received a series of action points to work on.
After working on the comments I was given I delivered my second session. I felt much more confident and received some positive feedback which was great.
At the end of the week I was knackered but I had a much better understanding of the game, different drills and ways to highlight skills in the 4v4 game.
The final exam…
Finally the day of the mock assessment arrived and I wasn’t feeling particularly confident. The session went much better than expected and it made me feel better about the final exam.
On the day of the exam I was very nervous but I tried to remember everything I had been taught over the course of the programme. I convinced myself I hadn’t passed so when I went in to collect my results I was shocked to find I had! The feedback and encouragement I got was very constructive and I know what I need to do to improve even more!
I really appreciate all the help, support and feedback that I have been given by all the mentors and coaches. Without the Female Coach Development programme I would never have had the confidence to complete the Level 2 Coaching Certificate.
N. Philips
Level 2 Football Coach
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