Joanna Ayre has recently completed her FA Level 2 with support from the London Female Coach Development Programme (led by the London Playing Fields Foundation and sponsored by Nike).
Female Coaches can apply for this and there Level 2 Qualification is paid for.
Please find below an interview with Jo regarding the Programme. For more information on the London Female Coach Devlopment Programme, please contact Charlotte Edwards on 0208 515 1926 or via email at Charlotte.Edwards@MiddlesexFA.com
What is your background in football?
Playing
I started playing football at 13 for Enfield Ladies who changed their name to present day Enfield Town Ladies FC. I have represented my County (Middlesex) on a number of occasions.
Coaching
I began coaching as work experience for the local council when I was at college. I then completed the old FA accreditation the Junior Team Managers Award, and 3 years ago I took the FA Level 1 and Level 2. Unfortunately I needed reassessment on the L2, but now with help from the FCD programme I am near completion. This has helped me obtain work for the local authority in developing football in the community and running the Enfield London Youth Games squad to great success for the past 4 years.
How did you hear about the London Female Coach Development (FCD) Programme?
I was emailed the link via the Sports Development Officer I work closely with. It sounded like a great idea to boost my existing knowledge & a good way to complete my Level 2.
Why did the scheme appeal to you?
Getting some additional support & mentoring appealed to me as there was always someone on the other end of the phone or email to help you. It also gave a bigger insight on the Level 2 qualification & how it had changed since I last went on the course.
Had you done much coaching before getting involved in the programme?
I had done a lot of coaching, but I am a big believer that you can always learn and it’s a good constructive way to get an insight of where and how you can improve.
How is the FCD programme structured and what is required from you and the other participants on the course?
Firstly I attended a one day pre programme assessment day where I coached a small part of a session based on a Level 1 game. A few people in the group were selected to go on the next available Level 2 Prep course, and others were differed to later courses – the whole reason for the programme is not to set anyone up to fail. Once on the programme I attended Saturday morning sessions for 5 weeks to get an insight of what the Level 2 would be like we got the chance to coach a local team in a topic which our mentor would then watch and give us feedback on. This was great as it gave us areas we could improve upon & highlighted things we may not have picked up upon.
Who is your mentor on the programme & how have they helped you as a coach?
Tina Mapes; she is a really good mentor, any questions along the way she was willing to help us with and since completing the 5 week Saturday programme she has kept in contact and been able to help with any questions I’ve had. She is a good role model too.
Who do you think would benefit from this scheme?
Any women wanting to coach beyond Level 1 standard would benefit from this programme. There is a big gap between the FA Level 1 & 2 coaching badges, but often we just need the confidence to make that next step. This programme (being female specific) is a much more comfortable learning environment which helps build confidence.
What is next for your own coaching development?
Coaching opportunities?
Once I have achieved my Level 2 it will open doors to coach within schools and local communities. It would also open up avenues to get into sports development which is what I have a keen interest & experience in as I have worked within the organisation and sport for 9 years.
Further coaching qualifications?
After completing my Level 2, I hope to complete my goalkeeping badges and also disability coaching awards. I would also like to attend the FA Level 3 course, and hope that the programme would support me through this.
Since completing the above interview, Jo has now passed her FA Level 2 qualification and the London Female Coach Development Programme has offered her mentoring support through her FA Level 3.