The newest cohort of aspiring coaches recently began their journey with the Made in Fulham programme over the Easter holidays. The programme aims to help these aspiring coaches take their first steps into a football coaching career by providing opportunities to achieve entry-level football coaching qualifications, gain valuable work experience in real life coaching environments, and receive individualised support through 1-2-1 mentoring from an experienced coach educator from Fulham FC Foundation.
We asked some of these aspiring coaches to tell us a bit about themselves, why they have joined the Made in Fulham programme, and how they feel this programme will help them in the future.
Meet Emily
Emily has been a lifelong follower of football and has played sporadically as an adult, but growing up, she didn’t have access to the same opportunities the game offers today. Now a mum of three football-loving children, her journey into coaching was inspired by watching her eldest start playing at age three in Fulham FC Foundation’s weekly sessions.
Over the years, Emily noticed the stark contrast in opportunities available to boys and girls in football. While things have begun to improve, she is passionate about continuing that progress and being part of the solution by increasing the visibility of women in the game and raising standards in grassroots football.
Emily joined the Made in Fulham programme to deepen her understanding of the holistic side of coaching, particularly how football can support mental health and create positive change in communities. Her personal experiences as a parent and fan of the game fuel her desire to give back and help shape the future of football.
What are you looking to gain from the programme?
A deeper understanding of how coaching can support both individual wellbeing and wider community impact, and the skills to be a positive, visible role model in the game.
Who inspires you?
All three of my children. I’ve seen the impact football has had on their lives and it motivates me to promote the highest standards in grassroots football.
If you could send a message to your future self when finishing the programme, what would you say right now?
Nothing of real value can be achieved without working hard for it and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Meet Charlie
Charlie is a participant on Fulham FC Foundation’s Player Pathway programme, a programme that aims to harness the talent of young footballers and support them both on and off the pitch, so that they can make the most of future opportunities.
He joined the Made in Fulham programme after hearing about it from coaches who saw his potential and knew he’d benefit from the experience. With aspirations to stay involved in football beyond the age of 16, Charlie saw this as the perfect opportunity to explore coaching and gain valuable insight from experienced mentors.
Keen to keep growing within the sport, Charlie is excited to learn from other coaches and discover new ways to develop both himself and the players he works with.
What are you looking to gain from the programme?
Experience and knowledge from other coaches to help build a strong foundation for a future in football.
Who inspires you?
The coaches who introduced me to the programme and continue to support my journey.
If you could send a message to your future self when finishing the programme, what would you say right now?
Take each day as it comes!
Meet Nam
Nam joined the Made in Fulham programme after moving to the UK from Hong Kong two years ago. With a background playing in the 1st and 2nd divisions of the HKFA League and experience as an assistant coach for Kwai Tsing’s U18 team, Nam brings a strong foundation in football and a real passion for coaching.
Since arriving in the UK, Nam has started working towards his coaching qualifications and was excited to join the Made in Fulham programme to gain hands-on experience and insights into the differences between coaching in Hong Kong and the UK.
For Nam, this programme is an opportunity not just to develop as a coach, but to connect with others who share his passion for football. He hopes to expand his knowledge of the English coaching environment and build confidence to pursue a coaching career here.
What are you looking to gain from the programme?
To understand the differences between football coaching in Hong Kong and the UK, gain practical experience, and learn from the Fulham FC Foundation coaches.
Who inspires you?
My old coach, who also moved to the UK, and everyone I’ve met through the Fulham Foundation.
If you could send a message to your future self when finishing the programme, what would you say right now?
Don’t be afraid to try.
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/
