Grassroots Features

In a special interview with irishfa.com Kyle tells us a bit about what exactly his job involves, what it is that he loves about being a Grassroots Officer and what he thinks is the most important part of the grassroots development programme.

(1)  What made you decide to become a Grassroots Development Officer?

I’ve been involved with sport and particularly football from a young age, having completed my degree in sports science I travelled to America and spent two years coaching in Washington DC. I was fortunate to work along side some very famous coaches and to learn from them. I then spent a year in London and coached with Wimbledon, Chelsea and Tottenham before returning to Northern Ireland to take up the role of development officer within the previous programme.

(2)  Can you tell us a bit about what your job involves?

The job is a mix of management and practical coaching. The vast majority of time within the job is spent behind a desk making preparations for events. The biggest event to date has been the organisation of the Ladies International Football Festival in Carrickfergus. This involved organising accommodation, team meals, travel, referees, pitches funding, marketing, health and safety and of course attracting sponsorship to enable teams from throughout the world to attend.

(3)  In what ways do you think the new Development Centres and Officers will benefit grassroots football in Northern Ireland?

The centres are providing opportunities for everyone to get involved in football at whatever level they wish and provide the structure to enable them to achieve their own personal goals. Whether that be for 6-year-old children who not only learn new footballing skills but also life skills, for volunteers to get involved in coaching and achieve new qualifications or for people to come together and take part in a healthy activity and meet new friends.

(4)  What would you say is the most important part of the Programme?

Learning through fun.  The programme sets high standards in terms of health and safety, child protection and education. We aim to provide a programme where those involved take part in a safe environment and learn new skills while having fun.

(5)  What do you enjoy most about your job?

The diversity within the job and the opportunities to meet a mix of people.  The enjoyment comes from the knowledge that I have been able to pass on new skills to players and the smile on a child’s face when they have achieved something new and the proud look on their parents face.

(6)  Do you play football yourself?

Yes I still try with Coagh United in the first Division.

(7)  If you could play just one game for any team in the world, who would it be and why and who would it be against?

Well it would have to be for Northern Ireland and right now the opposition would have to be Italy as the World Cup Winners in their own back yard, so we could claim the title of Unofficial World Champions. Plus I could get in a wee shopping trip and keep my girlfriend happy!

Kyle can be contacted on 07766 740801 or by email: kferguson@newtownabbey.gov.uk