From Taking Part to Taking the Lead: Will’s Story

When the opportunity to join Coach Core arose, Will saw it as a chance to gain experience, develop new skills and build a future in sport.

Starting the apprenticeship gave him his first real insight into working life, helping him understand the responsibilities that come with coaching and supporting young people.

“I feel like I’ve had a really good experience working as an apprentice with Coach Core and BADU. As this has been one of my first experiences of working, I think it has really opened my eyes to the world of coaching and what it’s like to work in a professional environment.”

Growing in Confidence

One of the biggest changes Will has noticed throughout his apprenticeship is the growth in his own confidence.

Taking on more responsibility and leading sessions regularly has helped him become more comfortable communicating with others, making decisions and stepping into leadership roles.

“I feel like I’ve gained a lot more confidence in myself since starting the apprenticeship. My communication and leadership skills have improved a lot.”

 

The sports coaching apprenticeship has helped Will develop valuable leadership, communication and coaching skills that will support him throughout his career.

Supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND) challenged Will to adapt his coaching approach.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Will has supported children with a range of needs, including those who sometimes found it difficult to engage with physical activity. Learning how to adapt sessions, build relationships and understand what works best for each young person has been an important part of his development.

“At first, I found it challenging to get everyone involved, but as I got to know the children better and understood what worked for them, I started to see improvements.”

By stepping outside his comfort zone and learning from experienced colleagues, Will has grown into a coach who understands the importance of creating inclusive environments where every young person has the chance to succeed.

Making a Difference Through Sport

For Will, the most rewarding part of the apprenticeship has been seeing the impact he can have on young people’s confidence.

One moment that stands out is his work on a Wake Up Shake Up club, where he supported SEND children who often struggled to participate in PE and physical activity. Over time, he saw attendance increase and confidence grow as more children got involved in sessions.

“More children began attending and enjoying the sessions, which was really good to see. I was also proud that some of them became more confident and willing to join in with their normal PE lessons, as this was something they had struggled with before.”

What makes Will’s journey particularly special is that he’s now helping create opportunities for young people in the very place where his own journey began.

“I think these experiences have helped me become more confident in myself and in my ability to be someone the children can look to for support and guidance.”

The apprenticeship may be coming to an end, but for Will, this feels like just the beginning.

Start Your Own Journey

Find out more about Coach Core apprenticeships and discover where a career in sport could take you.