Another huge football fan and passionate supporter of AFC Wimbledon features in our latest volunteer profile – say hi to Paul!
Paul, like many of our team, has several volunteer hats that he wears. Primarily, he is the coach and manager of our awesome U12s team and is a qualified and licenced FA coach.
Paul is also our resident graphic designer and is responsible for all the excellent club artwork and advertising graphics. Most impressively, Paul designed our fantastic, brand new club badge that made its debut at the start of this season.
Paul started his coaching career many years ago, coaching reception and year 1 boys at Rugby Town Juniors, before moving to U8/9 boys. Neither of Paul’s sons were interested in football (despite Pauls best efforts) and he coached simply for the love of the game.
Paul’s daughter began to show an interest in football at the age of 5 and she joined RTGWFC. Initially, Paul was content with spectating and helping with equipment, but gradually he was drawn back into the coaching world.
Paul has coached the U10 and U11 development teams for the last few seasons, sacrificing being involved in is daughters coaching but instead helping numerous new girls begin their journey in football. Upon the club move to our new home ground at Butlin Road, Paul took on the role of coach and manager of our U12s team and is finally coaching his daughter.
Paul loves playing football and plays indoor football weekly with friends. Up until the last few years, Paul played regular Sunday league football, mainly in goal, which he freely admits was not his favourite position!
Paul loves football banter, and we are reliably informed that he has several “interesting” matchday stories he could regale you with, should you be inclined to ask. It would also be remiss of us not to mention Pauls love of AFC Wimbledon.
Paul has supported AFC Wimbledon from before the famous FA cup win and has been involved in club meetings that cemented the clubs founding when AFC Wimbledon was being set up. Paul is very excited to see the club move to the new Plough Lane Ground.
Paul has an interesting football claim to fame, he went to school with Andy Myers (Chelsea, Bradford City) and was the only boy at school willing to tackle him due to Andy’s size at school. Happily, Paul can now report that his is now indeed taller than Andy Myers!
When asked why he coaches, Paul is very honesty in his reply. The kids make him laugh and keep him young! Paul is passionate about providing opportunity and pathways for children to develop the same love of football he has.
Paul credits his “dad skills” as partly contributing to his success as a coach. He works hard to help the girls feel comfortable and relaxed, providing equal opportunities for all in the team.
Pauls enthusiasm regarding all things football is tangible and his one hope is that the girls he coaches pick up this lifelong “addiction/affliction”
“And at the end of the day, that’s what it should be….fun. “
