Articles4YoungCoaches. #1: Don’t be sold a dream – Know your worth!

Before we start, I want to first clarify that during this piece no personal names or company names will be used or referred to. This is an article for young coaches’ that highlights what to keep an eye out for when coaching abroad or moving away for the first time.

Intro

I decided to choose this topic as I believe it often gets ignored and overlooked. There should be greater awareness raised about possible barriers and hardships when moving abroad to coach. I feel if I had dug deeper into the experiences of previous coaches that have had similar pathways, it would have prepared me a lot better and provided me with a more detailed idea of what to expect. 

Moving abroad to coach for the first time is a big and sometimes daunting step, with many things to sort out before you even get to the airport, so hopefully this makes things a little easier for you.

Full time football coaching opportunities in the UK for entry level or young coaches are extremely limited, with many clubs, foundations, private companies or schools mainly only offering part-time or casual coaching positions, with the better paid and full time roles often difficult to secure until you’ve worked your way through your badges or gained more experience first.

This paves the way for many young coaches to move abroad each year to try and find the necessary experience around the globe. For many this provides a gateway for full time coaching opportunities, a chance to broaden horizons and adapt to new, unfamiliar cultures. Many countries offer full time football roles for native British coaches, in beautiful locations with more favourable climates with often better paid work than they would normally find at home.

These roles can be found in different forms, some are seasonal, some are full time contracted, others may be internships or gap year programs depending on where in the world you are, and what company, club or school you are with.

You have to expect to work long and unsociable hours, have basic living conditions, coaching students or players who are not always playing the top standard of football, but its football none the less. However, when does sacrificing some things then become a step too far? Yes, you are the employee, but don’t be sold a dream and underestimate your worth.

When does sacrifice become crossing the line?

I would define ‘Selling a dream’ as an individual or company attempting to convince or sell an attractive idea or opportunity to an individual or a group.

For the most part of my travels, I can honestly say other than a few expected bumps along the way (Missed Flights/Language barrier/E-Bike Charging Issues), things have been relatively smooth when I’ve moved and worked in different countries and cultures. However, along the way I’ve met and worked alongside others that have encountered some quite difficult issues with previous experiences abroad. Although they’ve managed to come out the other side stronger, these issues really impacted their experience and affected them personally.

The most common issue I’ve discovered amongst coaches working abroad, seems to be VISA problems.

VISA –Some refer to it as ‘Verified International Stay Approval’, others say ‘Virtual Important Stamp Authorisation’. Call it whatever you like, but without this you’re not going to get very far.

In my opinion, I think the first thing you need to check if you’re considering a job abroad is the VISA. 

What is the process?

Will the company support you?

Do you need a degree?

Is it the correct VISA?

If Not why?

This is something you NEED! Without the correct documentation, you can end up in serious trouble, resulting in fines, bans and maybe even in prison. Despite this, some companies will take risks to save money and time and quite often you’ll be taking a return trip to a nearby country every couple of months to meet your legal requirements. You may be willing to sacrifice many things for your new job abroad but companies that expect you to work without the correct VISA are crossing the line.

Be warned! Certain companies will try and take advantage of your situation. If you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, you’re vulnerable, young and find yourself in an unfamiliar environment and can be seen as an easy target or ‘yes man' (or lady) who is eager to impress and make a good first impression with your new employers. I understand it can be easier said than done, but I would say to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation - Do not settle for these types of pressures, make sure everything you put your name to is legit or you could be putting yourself at high risk – KNOW YOUR WORTH!

I recently interviewed a young coach that came into difficulties with their first encounter coaching abroad, I wanted to get a greater insight on the issues that arose during their experience, after discovering the coach lost the majority of their savings because of this stumbling block. I thought it would be great to share their story to hopefully help prevent future coaches entering into the same difficulties. 

For the sake of anonymity the coach will not be named.

Did the company explain to you the VISA process?

”They explained it very briefly. They explained the paperwork I needed to complete and that I had limited time to complete this due to them keenly waiting on my arrival with a lot of hours to work during a busy summer schedule. The message was basically the sooner the better from their point of view. In total I had around 2 weeks to get all my paperwork together, apply for and collect my visa, due to the rush I eventually had to collect my VISA on the morning of my flight to China. The whole process of picking this up before I flew out was a bit of a headache to be honest as you’re constantly doubting or second guessing if there are any issues with it. They did cover the cost of my flights, which was a positive but the travel time was not ideal, I imagine these were the cheapest flights available but I didn’t mind too much, I was just happy to finally be on the way. “

Did they support you with getting your VISA?

“Yes and No really, they gave me the basic information on how to obtain a visa however the visa they told me to apply for was incorrect, I was informed I would need to leave the country every 30 days, something didn’t seem right. After meetings with the owners and management, they decided I needed to fly out of the country. This was only a month after arriving. They said I needed to cover the costs of the flight tickets and VISA myself before claiming this back upon return. I decided to empty my savings accounts to pay out for multiple flights and visa costs to try and resolve the situation myself. The company had asked me to return on a tourist visa this time before changing this over to a full working visa, a process that they said they have done previously with other coaches. Trusting the process and information had led me to believe my issues would be sorted after this,. Around 4 months after I had returned, financially broke and mentally exhausted, the company finally paid me the visa costs after many conversations, but I still had no working visa or permit, resulting in still having to leave the country every 90 days instead of 30. Alongside this, I also never received the money I had to pay for multiple return flights, something they had previously promised they would do. It became clear to me that the company had no values and did not care about the well being of their staff, leading me to make the decision to part company shortly after. I was putting myself at risk if I stayed, something I wasn’t prepared to do considering what they had already put me through.”

 How did this effect you both professionally and personally?

“On the professional side it made me lose confidence and trust in the company that had employed me. It was a sign of things to come in the future, as things worsened over time with the company. Personally it applied a lot of pressure on my bank account, with me losing a lot of money because of this. At that time I couldn’t say I was stable either, so thanks to some help from my parents and friends, I managed to push through. Also the stress and nervousness of not knowing what would happen made me feel unhealthy within myself. Luckily I had some close friends in China who continuously supported me, and obviously my love for the work I do as a football coach helped me push through during this tough period.”

What would you do differently next time?

“Honestly, I jumped at the chance to go to China, and didn’t really do a lot of research or ask many questions. It was my first time leaving my country and having to go through a visa process. It is something that was new to me and people should be aware of, and be given enough time to know in more detail how long and complicated this process can be.”

 Would you still go?

“Without a doubt! Despite the negatives, It has been a great learning experience for myself on how to communicate and prepare myself for these situations in the future. Having to do all this by myself, not knowing who with or even where I would be living. Not knowing how I would be collected at the airport or by who, not knowing how the Chinese children are, not knowing a lot about the culture. One thing is doing research about the place, company or people, which I didn't really do enough of, and a totally different thing is actually being there and seeing it through your own eyes. It has made me a better, more professional person and a better coach. I feel that after all China has thrown at me, I am much better prepared for anything else that comes my way in the future.”

A great insight, and definitely a steep learning curve. Despite these experiences, the coach has managed to come out of this situation stronger, more professional and a better coach than before having gained greater life experience skills. Having to adapt and figure these things out for yourself helps you grow that outer shell which puts you in a stronger position for next time.

As mentioned in Q and A, the coach outlines the importance of researching who you are working for. This is also a ‘must do ’before you leave and even confirm your acceptance for the job.

Research WHO you are working for –

 I realise this may seem straight forward, obvious and something that some coaches clearly already do. However I cannot stress enough how important this is, especially when taking the leap to a new country, culture and experience.

Company –

First and foremost, I would recommend undertaking a little research and background check on the company/club/school/organisation that have offered you the role. These are going to be your future employers, therefore it would be good to have information on the background of the company. Try and discover how long they have been running for, are they a new company? Are they an established company? These factors are important to understand in order to gain a clear idea of exactly what you’re getting yourself into. It’s also worth checking out the aims and objectives of the company. Many say they will focus on football development to make it look as if they are offering a great service that puts their staff and clients first but in truth they are actually more of a money maker / quick fix business for those at the top, if this doesn’t fit your ethos and values, I would consider if this is the right role for you.

Management -

Next, I would try and find out more about the guys at the top of the tree. Try and spend some time checking out who’s going to be responsible for you (CEO/General Manager/Owner/Director). Sometimes you are fortunate and get a boss that is supportive, approachable, open and reliable, which I can say I have had for the majority of my career. These have been figures I have really looked up to, due to them usually having a wealth of experience and being relatable on a personal level. However, unfortunately I have also seen the polar opposite to this, which was a huge shame because this was a person that I thought I had researched in depth before hand and done my homework with. This proves you can never be too careful so find out enough information to build up the clearest possible picture you can. Before starting the role I was extremely excited due to background of the individual, as time passed you start to realise that many people are in football for the wrong reasons, and you end up losing a total lack of respect for them. Some individuals are not as trust worthy as they portray and will take any short cut possible to make a quick buck and get what they want and need without any consideration for the hard working employees that have flown half way around the world to work for them. Despite your enthusiasm and eagerness to take the leap, be don’t be sold a dream, know your worth! (& Your boss).

Previous / Current Employees -

Another sensible step before accepting a job abroad, would be reaching out to any former or even current employees. I would firstly start with trying to speak to former employees as you may get a more honest answer due to them no longer being associated with the company. Try and find out a little more regarding the role and other questions you may have, It also may be a good idea to ask why they left their previous role to obtain as much feedback as possible.

If for any reason you cannot get in contact with former employees, you could always send a message to any of the current members of staff. Try and speak to those who would be in a similar position to yourself to receive the most beneficial feedback. They may not be willing to tell you too much, especially negative aspects due to still being connected with the company, as well as the need to retain personal relationships and of course job security. Despite this they may be able to answer some simple questions you may have and be able to outline the direction that the organisation seems to be heading in.

Social Media –

If you are struggling to locate information on your potential new job, potential new employers or potential new colleagues, make the most of social media.

With most people now leaving a virtual footprint of their previous work history and contact details it is now easier than ever to reach out and make those connections. By simply searching through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn you can easily check out profiles and get most of the information you need without even speaking to someone. There is nothing wrong with a little online scouting, its not too time consuming and could result in being extremely beneficial to painting a clearer picture of your new role that lies ahead.

Conclusion -

Lastly, I want to reiterate the importance of fully understanding what you’re entitled to when moving abroad to coach, Don’t be fooled by those in position of power, don’t be sold a dream and know your worth!

Be careful when deciding on your job offer, and before taking the leap (Because we know that you will), Take into consideration the facts around VISA’s, Work Permits, Your Company/Organisation/Club/Foundation, the staff and the vision and direction they are heading in.

I hope the guidelines discussed have not put anyone off moving away to gain further experience and instead met the purpose of supporting young, new coaches by offering a heads up on potential banana skins that may arise with their adventure. I would encourage all coaches to work abroad at some point in their career, the memories become invaluable and it helps you grow in more ways than you could imagine.