Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) are committed to providing support and opportunity to young people who are keen to start coaching and volunteering in football. These valuable learning experiences are open to all and through the Scottish FA Diversity & Inclusion Project, AFCCT are pro-actively encouraging those from an under-represented community to get involved.

Over the past year, a number of young and passionate volunteer coaches have joined AFCCT and begun coaching a weekly football participation centres. These young people have shared their story…
 
Ernest Gaza
I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up there until I was 8 years old. I then moved to Aberdeen with my family and spent the rest of my childhood here. I played juvenile football when I was younger for a number of clubs in the local area, as well as for my school. I’m currently playing for Jesus House AFC in the Aberdeenshire AFA, along with studying sport and fitness at college. I’ve been actively involved in volunteering in sport for a couple years and joined Aberdeen FC Community Trust in August 2015. From the first day, I have received a large amount of support from AFCCT, from part-time coaches at football centres and holiday camps to the various in-services and CPD events held.

At the moment, I coach at two football participation centres during the week which allows me to learn from the Trust’s coaches as well as take sessions myself. As time has gone on I have taken a more active role within sessions which has challenged me to prepare and lead high quality coaching sessions.
I have completed the Scottish FA 1.3 Coaching in the Game coach education course and have been encouraged to book onto the Children’s Award which will prove a great challenge. My goal is to work my way up and become part of the coaching team at the Trust.

Ernest has recently achieved 100 hours of volunteering with AFCCT which has been officially recognised through the Saltire Awards, and will soon become a paid member of the AFCCT coaching team.
 
Josefine Bjorkqvist
I am from Finland, I was born there and moved to the Netherlands for six years before coming to Aberdeen to Study. My father and mother met whilst playing football in the same town so the sport has always had a special meaning to my family. When I was young I was always running about or kicking a ball around but there was no junior football team in my local area. I first started playing football for the EPS Under 9s when we moved to the south of Finland. I played for about 8 years and loved every moment of it. When injury took over I wanted to give something back to the game and decided to start coaching.

I first began coaching as a volunteer at the University of Aberdeen. I then became involved with street football as well as running holiday sports camps before joining AFCCT as a volunteer community coach. I assist and help lead sessions throughout the week, mainly with younger age groups. This has been a fun challenge, learning how to harness their energy and get the most out of every child.

In terms of coach education, I am currently working my way through the Scottish FA Children’s Pathway and aim to complete the Children’s Award in 2017. I have received a wealth of support from the SFA and Aberdeen FC Community Trust, through these courses, as well as access to excellent CPD opportunities.

I hope that through my coaching, I am able to inspire my younger brother, and all children his age to fall in love with the game and become active for life.
 
Andres Mendez-Dott
I was born and grew up in the city of Cochabamba, located in the heart of Bolivia. I was brought up in a football family influenced by my great-grandfather who played the game professionally. I trained at a club called Enrique Happ, as well as playing for my high-school team.

I am now a student at the University of Aberdeen and have recently joined Aberdeen FC Community Trust as a volunteer coach. I don’t have any previous coaching experience but it’s something I’m looking forward to developing. It’s an experience that I’m fully enjoying so far and long may it continue.

I have chosen to start attending Scottish FA coaching courses, on the children’s pathway, which will enable me to have a stronger influence at the sessions I’m currently delivering at. I am very fortunate to be working with the Trust, where I have been well received. It has given me a platform to develop and learn within different environments.
 
If you are interested in coaching or volunteering with AFCCT get in touch – info@afccommunitytrust.org