Speakers

"I started as a volunteer on our ‘Kicks’ programme, and now I’m full time and I love it. Engaging with young people around here is really worthwhile. Some can be a bit loud, a bit cheeky, and others can be really quiet. I work with all sorts of characters, and I’ve seen many of them develop from, say, 11-years-old to being a young man. That can be quite special. I try to be something of a role model, supporting them and helping them to develop themselves. Engaging with young people is the most important thing, showing that you care and that you can help."

"I've always played football at quite a high level and I used to play for Spurs Ladies (that’s what they were called before Women!). I just love football and I want to encourage young people, especially girls, because I know how difficult it was for me growing up. And I think that everybody should be able to enjoy the game– shape, size, age doesn't ma er. And I want to be able to facilitate that. It's important to listen to young people and speak to them about what they enjoy. We've got some groups that are a bit more competitive and some who just like playing with their friends, enjoying the sociability and being involved in something. I like to inspire young people and, as one of the few female coaches, I also think it's important that I'm visible."

"I do a variety of classes and programmes, coaching and managing different kinds of events for everyone from young to old. I think that making a difference to the people I work with is really rewarding. Coaching can put a smile on everyone's face, and knowing that I’m part of people’s journeys to something better is a great feeling. The people I work with just seem to know that they can trust me. They can rely on me."