September 2011
Prince's Trust young people meet footballing star
Leeds United FC striker Ross McCormack joined
13 young people from The Prince's Trust Get Started with Football
course, run by the Leeds United Foundation.
During the five-day course, the group received training in
football coaching and were taught how to run coaching sessions.
Leeds United FC striker Ross gave the group a motivational
talk before answering questions about his career. He said:
The Get Started with Football course is ideal
for young people who are interested in football but lack the
confidence to find work.
18 year-old Amy Quinn from Leeds was one of the young people on
the course. Amy had left school with few qualifications after
struggling with behavioural and mental health problems. She was
placed in a number of hospitals and units across the country, but
was then turned away from home due to family issues.
After staying in various hostels, Amy
eventually secured her own council flat, but she found it difficult
to train for employemnt, or re-engage in any form of education.
She then started attending Leeds City College, doing three hours
of voluntary work every week.
It was here that her support worker mentioned The Prince's Trust
Get Started with Football course. Amy had always loved football and
plays in an all-girls' football team, and she felt that this was an
ideal opportunity to get into coaching.
After starting the programme, Amy's confidence rocketed. She
found the programme hugely enjoyable and learned something new
every day. Amy showed so much enthusiasm and skill while on the
programme that she has been offered an apprenticeship with the
Leeds United Foundation.
Amy said:
I now have a lot more confidence, self-esteem
and a sense of direction. I believe in myself and my abilities and
that I have the potential to do what I want in life. If I hadn't
attended The Prince's Trust programme, I would probably have been
staying in bed all day with no motivation or direction. I would
help support anyone who is thinking of completing a Prince's Trust
course. It has changed my life.