Bobby Smith (Apprentice Coach)

Bobby Smith

Qualifications: BTEC National Diploma, FA Emergency Aid Certificate, FA Child Protection and Best Practice Certificate.

Football and coaching background: At youth level, Bobby played for Leyton Orient’s Centre of Excellence for four years. Bobby then moved from the London area and now he plays local football for Old Leake.

Bobby was part of the Connexions group who worked in partnership with Football in the Community. Connexions wanted Football in the Community to enrol a group of interested young people consisting of boys and girls on to a five-week programme which would ultimately benefit them and offer the following skills: how to coach different sports including rounders, basketball and athletics, classroom-based sessions which involved producing lesson plans, evaluation, organisation and to plan group activities, how to get involved in the community, how to utilise skills for future employability, build confidence, improve communication skills both written and verbal and team building exercises.

This is where Bobby certainly showed his ability. During the course it became apparent that his coaching skills and organisational skills were first class. He worked hard during the five weeks, never missed a session, was keen to help other youngsters get the most from the project and his organisational skills ensured he delivered everything on time. Bobby also integrated well into the group and with the other qualified coaches.

His portfolio at the end of the scheme was well presented, well documented and was so impressive that he was put forward for the PFA apprenticeship scheme. Bobby was then offered a two-year apprenticeship, working as part of the Boston United Football in the Community project towards being a qualified coach.

Away from work, Bobby enjoys socialising, such as playing pool at weekends with friends and also enjoys watching football on television when he isn’t playing.