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I began my UEFA B Licence Diploma in October 2022, full of excitement to take the next step in my coaching journey. The course was led by some incredible tutors, but at the time, I was silently battling anxiety and depression. I was later prescribed antidepressants and began counselling through St Mary’s University and external providers.
During Block 1, I was nervous delivering my first session in front of peers and tutors. The jump in standard from the FA Level 2 to the UEFA B Licence was huge, and my session on defending the long ball lacked realism, in truth, I didn’t really coach. When Coach Yas offered feedback, I wasn’t in the right headspace to take it positively, and it completely shook my confidence.
For Blocks 2, 3 and 4, I withdrew. I watched others coach but refused to deliver myself, too afraid to open up about what I was going through. I skipped in-situ visits and came close to walking away from coaching altogether.
Fast forward to today, I’m proud to say I’m now a UEFA B Licence qualified coach.
This milestone means more than words can express.
To my amazing wife and counsellors, thank you for helping me find the strength to keep going. To my tutor Darren Smith, the St Mary’s staff, and my friends Ivan Ambrossio, Jaymie, Phil Nemeth and Ted Jones thank you for your patience, belief, and support.
Mental health doesn’t define you, but facing it can redefine you. 💙⚽️
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