DOZENS of young leaders aged 14-24 joined the Essex County FA for a hugely-successful ‘Your Game’ event on Wednesday 18th February, as the next generation were welcomed for a day of learning, inspiration and connections within grassroots football.
Designed to help participants explore the many different roles available in the game – from coaching and refereeing to youth leadership and beyond – the event at FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh built on the national England Football Family programme and provided collaborative activities, expert insight and personal development opportunities.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the event in helping them to see the wealth of opportunities within the game. Many spoke about newfound confidence and clarity in their development goals, whether that is pursuing coaching qualifications, exploring referee courses or stepping into volunteering roles at clubs. The event, which was supported by members of the Essex County FA Youth Forum, gave attendees a unique platform to:
- engage with experienced football professionals and volunteers, delivering workshops on leadership, mindset, coaching and football operations
- discover career pathways, including coach development, referee progression and competition management
- take part in fun, interactive sessions which put leadership and teamwork into practice
- connect with enthusiastic local peers who want to make a difference in grassroots football
The event also provided time for attendees to network, share ideas and build connections which will support their journeys in and around the sport. Your Game aligned with the Essex County FA’s commitment to creating pathways for all football participants, growing leadership and opportunities at every level of the game. The insights and energy shared at the event will help to shape future programmes and support offerings aimed at empowering young leaders.
With growing interest and engagement from young people in football leadership opportunities, the Essex County FA are excited to continue expanding initiatives which help to ensure that local football remains vibrant, inclusive and empowering for the next generation. Further coverage from the event will be shared at www.essexfa.com and via social media.
