The sky is the limit!
Recently three young men from Moorside Rangers began their coaching journey with Manchester FA and successfully achieved the FA Level 1 coaching certificate. Like all grassroots coaches they are now giving back the lessons they learnt at their club.
The FA Level 1 in Coaching Football qualification leads to the achievement of the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Football certificate (pictured, Jack holding) and is the first stepping-stone on the core coaching pathway. It provides learners with an introduction to coaching the game and working with players from under 7 to open age.
Throughout the course the lads gained an insight into the game in England, how it is played and how they can coach to better support the development of future players at their club.
Jack, Thomas and Christopher are now part of an exceptional group who have achieved the FA coaching qualification with Down Syndrome and continue to be role models to other young boys and girls who want to follow in their footsteps in years to come.
To find out more about what Moorside Rangers offer to people with Down Syndrome, click here.
What a fantastic achievement by all three of the lads and what an inspiration they are to the younger generation of players at the club. I hope they continue to enjoy their coaching and I am sure they will pass on their knowledge to everyone at Moorside.DISABILITY FOOTBALL
Jack
Aged: 18
How did you get into football?
I started going to watch Bolton when I was about seven. My mum and dad then took me to training sessions with Bolton Wanderers disability football.
What position do you play?
I like to play in all positions; I have been in net for the national DS competitions.
Do you play any other sports?
I have a black belt in Karate and enjoy 10-pin bowling.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Getting to the semi-finals of the DS national competition with Moorside Rangers and achieving my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.
What are your ambitions with the team or in coaching?
To carry on playing for Moorside Rangers and to win the national DS competition, but also help with the younger kids training sessions.
Who is your role model in the game?
Sammy Ameobi
What football team do you support?
Can you tell yet, Bolton Wanderers!
What do you enjoy most about training or coaching?
I enjoy helping to train the younger kids in the DS group. It’s great when you see them enjoying themselves.
What do you need to improve in?
I’d like to improve my coaching techniques and my footballing skills in general.
What do you enjoy most about playing or coaching in football?
I like to score good goals and love being part of the team. I have made some great friends playing for Moorside.
Thomas
Aged: 21
How did you get into football?
I love football and my favourite team is Manchester United. I’d never played on a team before joining Moorside DS.
What position do you play?
I’m a striker as I enjoy scoring goals.
Do you play any other sports?
No.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Getting the FA Level 1 coaching certificate.
What are your ambitions with the team or in coaching?
To continue to score goals and win games.
Who is your role model in the game?
Cristiano Ronaldo
What football team do you support?
Manchester United and England.
What do you enjoy most about training or coaching?
Scoring goals.
What do you need to improve in?
Controlling the ball and shooting on target.
What do you enjoy most about playing or coaching in football?
Scoring goals again.
Christopher
Aged: 20
How did I get into football?
I got into football through the Down Syndrome Association informing me that Moorside Rangers were setting up a DS football team.
What position do you play?
I am a defender.
What other sports do I play?
I play Tennis in the summer and do a weekly gym session.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Achieving the FA coaching qualification makes me very proud.
What are your ambitions with the team or in coaching?
I want to help younger DS children develop new skills.
Who is your role model in the game?
Wayne Rooney
What football team do you support?
Manchester United but if my family are not about it is Manchester City!
What do you enjoy most about training or coaching?
I enjoy being part of a team and training gives me confidence to play the game. I also enjoy helping younger players to learn skills.
What do you need to improve in?
I need to improve my strength and understanding of the game.
What do you enjoy most about playing or coaching in football?
I like playing in a team with other DS players with equal abilities and assisting the coaches at Moorside Rangers, who have helped me to train the younger players as it makes me feel great.