With the start of the season now well and truly underway, and with the confirmed launch of the 2024-25 Female Coach Development Group, we thought it would be fantastic to highlight one of grassroots football coaches in Cumberland and shine the spotlight on the rewards (and challenges) of coaching.

In the second of our series of ‘Focussing On Female Coaches in Grassroots Football’, we spoke to Gay who volunteers and coaches at Whitehaven AFC.

Gay has truly embraced the support offered to her throughout her coaching journey and is a member of the Female Coach Development Group in Cumberland. Gay has also participated in the Women’s Over 35 Football this year, providing a Just Play centre for women in Whitehaven !

Earlier this month, Gay was presented with Whitehaven AFC’s Ged Blaney Coach of the Year Award!

During their 30th Anniversary Awards, Whitehaven AFC documented Gay’s coaching journey: “Gay has done so much in the year’s she has been a coach! As many coaches, Gay started coaching when she answered the call for help when a team needed extra support and has gone from assistant to lead coach of two amazing teams. However, Gay didn’t stop there, she stepped up to our brand new U6 Lionesses last season, and helped build them up with lots of fun and they took to field for first time this weekend. She has also been a great support in PAN Disability and recently started girls only sessions at Scott Benbow’s Football Fun Factory.”

Gay was also nominated and shortlisted for the John Twentyman Spirit of Cumberland Football Award.

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“My coaching journey started after sadly losing coach and friend Darren Buchanan early in 2022. I began by supporting the Ability Counts session my son attends and helping at the weekly fitness sessions for the then Under 11 girls.

"I quickly got the bug, especially when I could see how the children benefited from my support and the positive impact that I was having on the sessions.

"I lacked self-confidence at the start and had to step out of my comfort zone, but I have been really lucky to have spent time with some fantastic coaches within the Club.”

The Favourite Part of Gay’s Coaching Journey

“Since completing the Introduction to Coaching course, I am now coaching the Under 14 Girl’s team.

"I also lead the weekly fitness session where I am supported by another mum who has completed the ‘Stepping Over The Sidelines’ Workshop. It has been fantastic for us to support each other. I am also coaching the U7 Girls Team.

"As I've got to know players better, I understand what motivates them, which gives me the confidence to plan engaging sessions, welcoming their ideas into training.”

The Challenges Faced in Gay’s Coaching Journey

“I can't lie, there have been many challenges. Differing opinions and managing behaviours are amongst them. Coaching has also taken up valuable family time, which can be tough.  

"But seeing players' confidence building, individuals developing new skills and challenging themselves, and having fun along the way makes it all worthwhile.

"The biggest compliment I have been given was recently when I was told that one of the girls wrote about me in school as being her role model. Knowing you have made a positive impact on someone's life, What better reward could there possibly be?”

Gay’s Advice to Women Who Are Unsure About Getting Involved           

“Whatever doubts you are having, there will always be someone to support you on your coaching journey!

"Your coaching team will welcome your input; I have had nothing but support from everyone at the Cumberland FA and I would love to have more female coaches to bounce ideas off!

"Most of all, whatever you bring to your team - knowledge, passion, understanding, empathy, a balanced view when things are uncertain, or just helping pick up some cones, it’s having a positive impact on your team members.”

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By focusing on female volunteers as coaches, in this series we’re aiming to bring more women into the game to support both girls and boys football and become role models for the future generations. 

Football Development Officer Helen Aitchison said: “We want to encourage more women to make that ‘step over the sidelines’ from encouraging spectator (and most likely biggest fan!) to become a vital cog in the football side of things, whether that is by supporting current volunteer coaches and reducing their workload or having the confidence to be the coach themselves.”

FEMALE COACH DEVELOPMENT GROUP

The Female Coach Development Group is a partnership with The FA and Westmorland FA, providing female coaches with the opportunity to connect with other female coaches in the area and learn and develop in a supportive environment.

Season 2024-25 will launch on Monday 21 October with an online introductory session hosted by The FA’s Coach Development Officer Chris Welburn.

Women can register for the launch event HERE which will take place from 7-8pm (a link will be shared following registration)

Find out more about our Female Coach Development Group HERE

Get more involved in your child’s grassroots football club and attend one of our FREE Stepping Over the Sidelines Workshops. 

Not sure about coaching but would like to play? Find out about our Women’s Over 35 playing opportunities.

Or you can become a referee! View courses HERE.  

If you have any further questions or would like to chat about how you could get more involved and what the next steps are; please contact our Women & Girls Football Development Officer, Helen Aitchison on 01900 511800 or email Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com. Helen is also on Facebook if Messenger works better for you – (Helen Aitchison-Cumberland FA)

Read about Sharron Caton’s (Abbeytown JFC) Coaching Journey here