Football Futures Awards 2014

Wednesday 15th October 2014, not just my Mom's birthday, but also the 2014 Football Futures Awards. An afternoon built to reward and recognise the work of young leaders within the FA Football Futures Programme. I was on National Game Youth Council duties and was able to enjoy the occasion reflecting on another year of success.

Recognising and rewarding the work of young people is hugely important, and a key priority of the National Game Youth Council. The awards provide an opportunity to recognise those who are making a real difference within their communities, it allows the Football Futures Family to come together and celebrate successes. 

For me, just being at the ceremony was a real pleasure. Being around such a high calibre of young people was incredible, hearing about what they have achieved and the impact they are having. Sometimes you forget that the programme is built around young people who are volunteering. Kids who have and continue to work wonders. 

It's surprising, flicking through the programme reading about each winner, not for what they've done.. but for who nominated them. People who have progressed through the Football Futures Programme themselves and now sit in a paid role working with the next generation of young leaders. How amazing is that?! Who said it's just some volunteering programme?!

We all know, Football Futures isn't just about counting hours, about developing players in your team or running a major event.. but that personal journey which we get to travel on. It's becoming a cliché, but that 'journey' looks different to everyone, but everyone on the programme has one. The road of personal development should never be underestimated. And if anything, that's what makes each of us unique, a programme built for developing people. Not referees, coaches, co-ordinators.. that's just a bonus. 

It's a pleasure to be a part of so many people's journeys, even if it's just in a small way. At the awards, I spent time with people who have influenced me and who I've seen grow through the programme, and it really is amazing to see them rewarded on a national scale for all of their efforts. I still cannot word the emotions I went through yesterday, the pride in seeing my friends enjoying their day and being in the spotlight. A heart-warming day seeing proud parents and family, knowing that's how my family feel about me.. well I hope they do. And also a little sad, it felt like a goodbye to SGP for now with the NGYC. 

Just a couple of shout outs to a couple of people, both people who have helped me along my way. Lauren Asquith, Outstanding Contribution Award, my roomie in Rwanda and all round top friend. Already holding the record for youngest Football Development Officer, Lauren has developed into a mature individual juggling many roles within the disability football world, notability being a part of the CP World Cup planning team. I've had the pleasure of knowing Lauren for over 2 and a half years and it's safe to say that through the FF programme I've got a friend for life [sorry mate, had to throw a soppy line in there!] As she will tell us, it's not all about the awards.. but for this one, it is thoroughly deserved.

Lauren O'Sullivan - Outstanding Contribution Award, a role model and inspiration to many. I've loved every minute of being a part of the NGYC this season chaired by Lauren, being inspired every meeting by her infectious passion for the game and drive to develop the game for young people. As Lauren's time within the Football Futures Programme draws to a close, it was only right for her to be nationally recognised at the awards, and I think the standing ovation Lauren received only just begins to cover the extended thank you for her contribution to the game, so far. As I put on twitter last night, I hope one day I grow up to be like Lauren. 

A notable appearance for Prathiv Kholia [Storma] who has also progressed through the FF programme and was a part of the guest panel at the awards. I think this alone shows the promise of the programme if you 'take it by the horns' and really push yourself to be the best version of you. Storma, not only a leading light of the programme but now a mentor if you like to  myself. Storm has helped me out with my Changing Lives and National Game Youth Council applications - which were both successful and is constantly at the end of emails when I need help. 

3 individuals who I have the pleasure of calling friends are nationwide inspirations who have rightfully been recognised and rewarded in one way or another for all of their hard work. 

We must also take a moment to think about the thousands of others who have and continue to work exceptionally hard in their communities, and who are undoubtedly making a difference. If you think they aren't take a second to imagine a game without the help of young people... 

An extended congratulations to all of the award winners, please don't see this as a full stop, it is a moment of recognition and a boost for you to keep on going on your own remarkable journey. 

The awards have yet again turned me into the emotional person I'm capable of being. I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunities I've had to develop myself, and more importantly the opportunities I have had to be a positive influence in the life of others. To share the day within the National Game Youth Council was fantastic, a team of people who share a passion for developing the game. I hope that one day I can invite my family to the awards, but if not, I know I have been rewarded and continue to be rewarded with opportunities to be better everyday.

'Success is measured through how many lives you touch and how many people you transform. Success is measured, not by the extent of your power, but the number of people you empower.'

You don't need a cape to be a hero, you just need to care. 

Here's one for the heroes..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgF1Enrgo2g

BUCS Football Development Committee

I'm now a couple of weeks into 3rd year, all assignment deadlines are logged on my wall chart, I'm back into coaching and continuing with all of my youth council work - since my last post Lancashire FA have set up their own youth council and I have been voted to co-chair it - a very proud moment. 

I've also had a new opportunity come up which I have acted upon and been successful in applying for. The BUCS Football Development Committee has recently been set up to help BUCS to deliver on their strategy and 6 point offer. I was successful in applying and I am the youngest member of the group, still a university student I have got the student eye. Within my role as an activator I have the opportunity to connect with 72 other activators and network to ensure that what is being run is appropriate, to check and challenge the opinions of other activators and really drive the thoughts from ground level. 

It's very much a proud moment for me to be a part of the group. Like I said, we had our first meeting yesterday, down in London at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Headquarters, literally hidden out of the way of the public eye. After looking down the list of attendees it would be an understatement to say I was both nervous and apprehensive. Sitting with people who have more experimented than myself, looking to work on a national level surely it was only natural to be a little bit nervous.

When being asked why I applied, it would be and was easy to say it's a CV Enhancer.. But really it's an opportunity for me to make that step to another level, testing my skills and knowledge and also to work with people which will helpfully help to prepare me for the real world once I've left uni. Linking to the BUCS Student Mangement Team and National Game Youth Council this is a huge step in the right direction, which will also help to link everything together. 

Yesterday we looked directly at Futsal, the pathway currently in place and the steps which will be taken to improve the programme. What needs to be done to collect the right research. If we don't know who is involved in university Futsal programmes and the rationale behind them, how can the programme be modified and improved? It'd be like stabbing in the dark, some people play for fun, others for the competition. So before any changes are made, we need to have research and evidence to ensure that they are the right changes. Another question might be why is there a lateral pathway in the first place? Why can't players dip in and out of recreational and elite Futsal? What if they want to play with their friends as well as in the BUCS team?

With plenty of key actions and recommendations, the meeting was a success. This as long as we follow up on the actions and become a doing group, not just meeting for the sake of meeting.

I'm looking forwards to the next meeting and seeing the impact we will have on the BUCS football pathway. Again it's great to be part of it all. After speaking to a tutor last week, they questioned whether I'm used to going to these meetings and working with older and more experienced candidates.. Which I kind of am, but always nervous of my own capabilities. I can honestly say, I walked out of that meeting high in the knowledge that I had left everything at the table, all questions were asked and all points put across. Not a bad feeling after walking in worried I wouldn't fit in.