Young Leaders - Luke Appleton
We recently spoke to Community Coach Luke Appleton as part of our Young Leaders series looking into what inspires young leaders on Jersey.
What inspired you to become a coach?
I was inspired to become a coach by my coaches when I was younger. I have always enjoyed playing football and had support at all levels, so for me it was passing this on and making sure others get to experience the same thing I did.
What do you enjoy about coaching?
I enjoy putting on enjoyable and engaging coaching sessions where children can come and feel they are in a safe and fun environment where they can develop their footballing abilities. I also enjoy seeing the improvements being over the years when working with the children.
What skills do you feel you have developed through coaching?
Since I have been coaching, I have found that I have been able to develop my communication skills, confidence, time keeping, behaviour management and organisational skills too. To be able to deliver a successful session as a coach,
I have to have everything set up to keep in the time frame of the sessions and to make sure what I am delivering is done in a fun, enjoyable and engaging way.
What advice would you give to somebody who is interested in becoming a coach?
Advice I would give someone looking to become a coach would be to take the first step and get involved. It is always the first step which is the hardest, but when you are involved all the pathways open up and there is so much that can come from being a community coach.