Apprentice Story: Nathan Watkins - Level 4 Sports Coach

Why did you choose an Apprenticeship? Why this one in particular? What appealed to you?

?This apprenticeship appealed to me because I had started doing some one-to-one coaching with players to progress their game however, I was looking for a full-time role within an academy to progress my knowledge and skills alongside working with coaches with vast experience. This one stood out to me because I would be able to represent the governing body of football in Hampshire and work alongside coaches who have a large amount of experience within the game. Another massive drawing point to joining Hampshire FA, was to work with the U16s –18s programme as I had previously just completed a BTEC level 3 in sport which is the exact same qualification that the players will look to gain. Therefore, I felt my knowledge from my previous education would help the setting up of the brand-new HFA Academy.

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How have you implemented your new Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours in the workplace?

?I believe my KSB’s have been clearly implemented in the workplace to make the Academy grow from strength to strength. My knowledge of how the academy should be run and taking pros/ cons of my previous experiences, has helped the other members of staff who may not have as much knowledge within the academy environment. My skills consist of good leadership skills and understanding of football at grassroots level which I have implemented on my coaching journey with the FA. I feel my mature behaviours and setting standards out early doors, inflicted on the players positively and has made the workplace a pleasure to work in.

Finally, the information and deeper level of understanding about coaching gained during my lessons with my apprenticeship trainer allowed me to be more effective in my role.

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What are your career aspirations following on from your apprenticeship?

?My future aspirations would consist of managing or coaching at the highest level I can as well as becoming an academy head coach.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting an apprenticeship?

?Make sure you keep time aside from your work to make sure that you complete your apprenticeship tasks on time. I would say making a timetable to fit around your work schedule would be ideal.

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What was your proudest moment on the apprenticeship?

Being able to lead a full training session for the players after around six months of building my confidence and knowledge.

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What can you do now that you couldn’t do at the start of the programme?

I am now able to lead full training sessions with good detail and relevant to player development or team performance.

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Which areas of the apprenticeship have you enjoyed the most and which areas have you found most challenging?

I have enjoyed working with my tutor (Tom) because he has very good understanding of the apprenticeship and he has been very understanding of when I have had work commitments and struggled with deadlines.

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Learn more about our apprenticeship programmes: https://sclprofessional.co.uk/