To mark UK Coaching Week, Fulham FC Foundation is celebrating the journey of one of the aspiring coaches on our Made in Fulham programme, a coaching development initiative designed to inspire the next generation of coaches.
We spoke to Danish, a current participant who is eight weeks into the programme and already seeing the impact on both his coaching and personal growth.
“What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing my activities come to life and watching how much participants enjoy them,” he says. “It’s been incredibly rewarding.”
Through weekly practical experience, mentoring, and tailored workshops, Made in Fulham gives young people the tools to grow into confident, capable coaches, and Danish is no exception.
“My confidence has improved a lot. I’m more comfortable starting conversations and connecting with people,” he explains. “That’s something I really struggled with before.”
Not only has Danish gained confidence in his coaching, which he admitted he was nervous about when starting the programme, but this has also been supported by the qualifications he has gained, which include:
- EE Playmaker
- FA Play Phase
- FA Introduction to Coaching Disabled Footballers
- FA The Greater Game
Mentoring has played a huge role in that progress. For Danish, the opportunity to reflect and receive guidance from the Made in Fulham mentors has been key:
“The support has been amazing. I’ve grown my coaching knowledge, but more than that, mentoring has helped me open up, share challenges, and get advice that I know will help me in the future.”
Now actively using the knowledge he’s gained, Danish is getting practical experience coaching on Fulham FC Foundation sessions and already making an impression, not just on participants, but on himself.
“I’ve really improved my communication. I was nervous about talking to players and coaches at first, but now I’m much more confident. I’m also working on encouraging players more, trying to help them enjoy and get the most out of every session.”
As we celebrate UK Coaching Week, stories like Danish’s remind us of what coaching is really about empowerment, development, and the confidence to lead.
Made in Fulham is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballer’s Association. Administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive. Find out more at https://www.fulhamfc.com/madeinfulham/
