The Story
Abbie has been a volunteer at Wilmslow Lightning Netball Club for two years. Since she started at the club she has developed her confidence in working with young people. Last year she volunteered in the U14 age group. Whilst helping out with the group Abbie learnt how to deliver a warm up and cool down, as well as developing a better understanding of how to deliver skills sessions and coach during match practise. As Abbie’s confidence improved the lead coach allowed her to work with small groups of players and take on a more active role as a Junior Coach. Abbie is also a member of the Youth Sport Trust Young Coach Academy, which is part of the Cheshire and Warrington School Games Maker Programme, part funded by Active Cheshire. All of this has been brilliant in helping her to develop her skills and qualities and become a confident coach with good knowledge of the game and a great measure of self- belief, which is essential in the coaching world to enable you to progress and handle other people!
The Solution
As part of the Young Coach Academy programme, WLNC agreed to give Abbie sole responsibility of the u11s group. Abbie is mentored by a level 2 coach who attends each session and gives her feedback on how to improve.
The Result
Abbie plans and delivers the sessions. She selects the 2 squads for the Sunday games, liaising with the Team Manager, and attending all the matches. Abbie’s confidence has soared since taking on this role, as has her knowledge and understanding of how to support the players on an individual and team level has increased. Abbie has developed her courage and self- belief through coaching.
QUALIFICATIONS
Abbie is now a Level 1 netball coach at the club.
Abbie says;
‘As a coach, I have learnt so much from being at the club and being part of the School Games maker Programme. I can’t thank them both enough for helping me. I now also get paid for being a coach!! I love my coaching and the relationships I have developed with the players and their parents, the other coaches and the committee.
I love coaching the u11s and great a real buzz when I see the girls succeed and win matches. I have helped them to do that! How cool is that?!’