We are pleased to feature Kerri in our first young leader profile. Kerri is a very active member of RTGWFC, she currently plays for our Women’s First Team as their youngest player. Kerri has also been heavily involved in our young leader programme over the past couple of years.
Kerri has played for RTGWFC for the last 5 years, although it all nearly didn’t happen as “mum” filled in the application form incorrectly and a very young Kerri turned up to train with the Womens team!
Although initially wanting to be a goal keeper, there was no vacancy for a keeper so over the years Kerri has played in several different positions and has developed her versatility which continues to this day.
Kerri held the honour of being the U16 team captain, which she found really boosted her confidence and provided the incentive to continue to develop and move onto playing for our Womens team.
Kerri started her activities as a young leader by supporting other coaches with our youngest members; the Wildcats. Since then, after completing the FA Level 1 Coaching course and attending a Wildcats specific training course, Kerri has moved into coaching. Kerri, along with our Womens 1st Team goalkeeper, Leah, are currently in the process of setting up a new U7s Wildcats team, which will be our youngest team in the club.
Due to her ongoing success in coaching our Wildcats members, Kerri has recently been asked to coach several boys teams for another local team, Hillmorton. This is proving a great opportunity for a new coaching experience.
In additional to her coaching responsibilities at Butlin Road, Kerri is also a regular referee for mini soccer games on Sunday morning. Finally, in case she ever has a minute free, Kerri, and another of our young leaders, Alice, are starting Futsal training sessions. These sessions will provide even more opportunity for our members to get involved and learn additional skills.
Kerri currently attends the Aspire 2 B football college studying for a Btech Sports Extended Diploma. Looking to the future, Kerri would like to do an apprenticeship in a primary school and continue to coach. Kerri is looking to increase her coaching skills and experience by undertaking a FA Level 2 coaching course as well as a referee’s course.
When asked why she volunteers, Kerri comments that she gains a great deal of personal pride by seeing children join the club with little or no football experience develop into proficient players under her guidance.
“I do it so I can teach kids to love football….”