WE RECENTLY SPOKE TO COMMUNITY COACH ANA MALTA AS PART OF OUR YOUNG LEADERS SERIES LOOKING INTO WHAT INSPIRES YOUNG LEADERS ON JERSEY.

What inspired you to become a coach? 

I’ve always loved playing football, so when choosing my top option for my project trident work experience, it was a no brainer to pick the Jersey FA. I also noticed how there wasn’t much female representation within coaching and football in general, so I wanted to be someone young girls looked up to. 

What do you enjoy about coaching?

I enjoy planning and delivering fun and engaging sessions where the children feel like they can have fun whilst learning. The best parts are seeing their improvement as the sessions go on and seeing the smiles on their faces when they achieve something. 

What skills do you feel you have developed through coaching?

I’ve developed many skills like confidence and communication. When I did project trident I was quite shy and not a confident public speaker but since coaching a variety of different age groups, I’ve become more and more confident and now can comfortably lead any group. I’ve also improved my overall football knowledge and how to deal and solve difficult problems. 

What advice would you give to somebody who is interested in  becoming a coach?

If you’re interested in becoming a coach you should try to get stuck in wherever you can. Don’t be afraid to contact coaches or staff members, they are always keen to take on new people. It’s also important to gain knowledge through courses and workshops. As a coach you never stop learning, so by you completing coaching courses like the FA Playmaker, you develop a base of knowledge to build on. 

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