SocceRico

I must say that this course would be without doubt one of the most vital months in my coaching career.
I couldn’t hide my excitement and enthusiasm as I received confirmation from the FA accepting my application to the course back in January 2010. Not only am I given the chance to accelerate my career through the qualification ladder, but also I would be lining up with coaches of high calibre whom I wouldn’t be able to work with if I follow the local ladder. Of course, the chance to learn from some of the most experienced coach educators in the UK is to be highlighted also.
Learning from people like Alan Gillett, Ben Bartlett, Tony Mcallum, Pete Trevivian, Francis Dwayne and other visiting coaches was something I regard as precious. Visiting to Aston Villa’s academy and training ground, having conversations with the manager, academy coaches and staff was also an invaluable experience for a new coach like me.
Waking up every morning, knowing I would be immersed in football and be working with some top coaches and exchanging ideas was like a dream coming true.
As a Chinese, I was also honored to be classmate with Ms GAO Hong, the legendary ex-Chinese national goalkeeper who won Olympic and World Cup medals in the 90′s. Her advice, encouragement and endorsement helped boosting my confidence in my ability as a coach given me being inexperienced.
Of course, the actual knowledge I learnt and practiced in Reading formed my coaching mindset to a large extent, especially the youth development philosophies preached by Mr Trevivian.
One thing that makes me extremely happy is that the foundation I built by spending endless hours reading and researching proofed to be useful in helping me to make the most out of the course.