Last week saw the 4th National Young Leaders Camp invite 100 Young Leaders from around the Country to attend a number of workshops on different disciplines. These will enable them to provide football leadership to an FA Charter Standard club in their local area.
From the Isle of Man Joe Brownless (DHSOB) and Lauren Christian (Corinthians) were selected as the two young leaders who were fortunate enough to go to the five day camp.
The Camp successfully couples practical sessions with classroom-based learning and the participants are asked to lead the sessions as much as possible in a variety of workshops, such as:
• Disability football
• Refereeing
• Goalkeeping
• Coaching
• Futsal
• Football Science
• Media Training
The Camp also gave the Young Leaders the opportunity to meet others from their region as well as Young Leaders from around the country working both on their own and as part of a group.
Each year the Camp selects 8 young people who have excelled throughout the week to form a Camp Management Team who then have the opportunity to stay in the programme for 3 years. There is also an international element to the programme called ‘Changing Lives’, which is delivered annually in Africa. Four leaders are selected each year to represent The FA providing an unforgettable experience for the lucky few.
To celebrate the Young Leaders hard work throughout the week there is an annual Fancy Dress party – and the Isle of Man’s Joe Brownless won 2 England tickets for the best outfit as Elvis!
All 100 Young Leaders left the Camp enthused, energetic and empowered ready to go back to their counties and make a difference. Keep a look out for Joe and Lauren to see how they get on!