So here it is. The start of something exciting. It’s been a dream of mine to start a youth football team. Being able to work with kids who love the game and to develop them as players and people as they grow up into adults. I genuinely believe that the influence they have from clubs, societies and all other aspects of extra-curricular activity has a huge impact on the grown ups they become. A coaches responsibility in instilling values and respect into children at a young age is just as important, if not more so, than the skills and ability developed through sport.
Broxtowe Utd FC is the result. The outcome of numerous hours of making notes, researching and genuinely being pre-occupied has led to this moment. I spoke to numerous people who have tried this before:
“It’s bloody hard work” – was one useful insight.
“Say goodbye to your social life” – said another
“You’ll never make everybody happy” – this was my personal favourite.
Let’s be clear. I am not delusional. I am aware that starting a new club will be time consuming, mentally and physically draining and there will be days that we wonder if we’ve done the right thing. So, let’s look at the positives. Why are we doing it? Well, simply, to give the kids an opportunity do something they’re passionate about. We all know that as kids get older they lose interest in everything unless it involves computer games or girls. However, something that football, and sport in general can give you is friendship. A bond that will see you through the hard times. If we as a club can provide a safe and fun environment where children develop then we will have done something right and that is what we are aiming for. Broxtowe Utd FC will be open to anyone, no matter what their age, sex or ability. We will endeavor to do all we can to give those that want it a chance to play football. Simple as that!
And where would we be without Coaches? Having recently completed the FA Coaching Level 1 course I was suitably impressed. It wasn’t easy. Yes, I assume it would be pretty difficult to fail outright but it can happen. The content within the course is pretty thorough and what it does do is opens your eyes to the possibilities that are there to work with children and develop them in an exciting and enjoyable way. Yes there will always be Coaches that are doing it for the wrong reasons. But rather than concentrating on them let’s concentrate on the ones that have the talent to teach, inspire and develop. That’s what the FA are looking to produce and they have to start somewhere and inevitably that will be in grassroots football.
There were several Coaches on that one course that I would be proud to have as part of Broxtowe Utd FC. The club will aim to give Coaches the chance to develop and progress which ultimately will benefit the children.
That’s out Club motto. If you don’t enjoy yourself you won’t commit to the club and to football in general. If you don’t commit then you won’t develop as a player or an individual. I’m proud of what our club will stand for and hope that we can do it justice.
Something I am aware of and feel the need to address is other football clubs. There are plenty. If you’re looking for a club you are never too far away from one in most areas. Broxtowe Utd has been formed because I genuinely feel there is scope for another one. There are clubs that have too many children to manage. The Coach to child ratio is too big. This is by no means the fault of the Club or Coach. Grassroots football relies on volunteers. Without them clubs wouldn’t exist. That’s a fact and we all know that finding volunteers is not easy. People have busy lives and many want the time they have off to enjoy without the added responsibility. I completely understand that. However, what I have learnt over the last couple of days is that generally we are all doing it for the same reason. Club managers and chairman have contacted me to wish me luck and offer their support and experience to help us build our club. For that I am genuinely thankful. We don’t know it all. Far from it. We are learning and if we are able to pick the brains of those who have been there and done it before that is something we will never refuse. Clubs need to work together, build relationships and become part of a community and that is something I am passionate about. Over the next few months we will be reaching out to all the local clubs in an attempt to build solid partnerships and from my experience so far, this will be an easy task because that willingness to help is already there!
So there it is. The first blog. An introduction to our new Club. As always I’d love your thoughts and opinions on our journey so far. Feel free to comment below but also feel free to like and share out Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and check out our website. All the details are below and the club will go no where without the support of the local community so please help us out 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/broxtoweunitedfc?ref=hl
Follow us on Twitter: @broxtoweutdFC