For those that don't know my background in football let me explain how I came to win this AMAZING award. Six years a go I took on the admin for the U6 age group at AFC Urmston Meadowside, a club that has been going since 1977 and has an army of volunteers that run the successful club. I got involved because my eldest son started playing football and shortly after my husband started coaching. I loved the ethos of the club, it's community spirit and drive to provide a safe environment for all.
Two years later it was time for my youngest son to start his football journey so I sat my FA Level 1 accreditation and led the first ever U5 age group the club had ever had. We soon had 60 children within the squad and I started to get more volunteers on board to keep them playing football. In 2020 I completed my FA level 2 accreditation to further my knowledge and develop myself further.
During my time at Meds I have secured numerous sponsorship deals, ran parents meetings, coaches meetings, kit orders, arranged friendlies and tournaments, team events off site, end of season celebrations, Christmas parties & themed internal tournaments. Implemented additional training including futsal and goal keeping and even ran weekly hit workouts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilitated end of season report cards and two U9 pre-season festivals where 28 teams throughout Manchester took part.
My main objective is to run Fun - Safe - Organised sessions, I do all this as a volunteer and enjoy every minute of it.
Thank you to everyone that's supported me during my time at Meadowside (Meds) and a huge thank you to those who voted for me as you'v truly given me an unforgettable magical experience ... I'm honoured and feeling blessed. There was over 2,000 nominations for my award across the UK, totally humbled to have won.
The Awards day is a day I'll never forget, I am absolutely over the moon to have received the award. I met some inspiring people, shook hands of legends (Pat Jennings, Martin Keown and Sir Geoff Hurst to name a few!) and had a day of celebrating grassroots with awesome people from all over the UK. The award was presented by Siobhan Chamberlain, an absolute inspiration in women's football as a retired professional footballer who last played as a goalkeeper for Man United & the England national team. An incredible experience to stand on the pitch at half time during the Community Shield. The whole day was spectacular - thanks to all those involved in the day!
Our Meds U9 Squad is such an amazing group of footballers and I'm proud to be part of their footballing journey. Thanks to all that got involved with the filming and the kind words you shared - it really is appreciated.
Finally, I wanted to say it isn't always easy being a women in football, but girls if you want it - anything is possible!! Our Lionesses have inspired millions this year and I truly believe this is the start of amazing times for Girls and Women in football and I'm proud to be here, part of it, representing women in a year where records were smashed and the nation saw IT COME HOME!
Check out the official video here:
Thanks
Coach Rachel
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