Coaching in the Community

Sandy, Parent & Community Coach

In July 2013, Sandy approached MTGP stating that he wished to get involved in coaching football in his community. He felt that the local children had nothing to do and were then getting into trouble.

He was impressed how young people had responded so positively when MTGP was in his area and saw the effect it had on them personally and the community. He was really keen to become involved but didn’t know how or where to start.

Sandy began to attend at MTGP for one night a week on a voluntary basis. He developed a good understanding and displayed a great temperament for coaching. He was enthusiastic and bonded well with the attendees and adults.

MTGP supported Sandy to obtain a SFA Level 1.1 Coaching Qualification and with assistance of South Lanarkshire Choose Life, he also achieved first aid accreditation.

Sandy became an excellent coach whilst at MTGP and really bonded with attendees and parents alike. He thoroughly enjoyed his coaching experiences and was soon ready to take the next step to organise and coach his own youth football team.

MTGP continued to provide assistance, support and advice which resulted in Sandy taking up a coaching position with Celtic Boys Club. His team train two nights per week and play matches at the weekend.

Sandy is still coaching today with Celtic BC and retains all of his enthusiasm for coaching that he had when he started years ago.

He Says…

‘I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t have his team. I coach in the community for 2 nights a week and the team plays a game on a Sunday.

Because of my links and involvement with Celtic, I’ve managed to get a lot more boys from Cambuslang involved in playing football. The only downside is my wife says I spend too much time on the phone’. Sandy (Parent and Community Coach)

His wife says…

‘He is a changed man, his enthusiasm and commitment to his community team is amazing. It’s like having a different person around and we all get involved as a family.

Some of the players have never been out of the area before. We have been away with the team a couple of times to tournaments in different parts of Scotland and England.

We are so thankful to Moving the Goalposts for the encouragement they have given Sandy. It’s enhanced not only our lives as a family but the wider community. (Sandy’s wife)