Our

Story

Joe

&

Ronan

Joe (Young Coach): I’m Joe, I’m 19 years old. I play for the Manchester United Foundation Inclusive Reds. I’m also a coach there for children with special needs.

Ronan (Tandem Partner): I’m Ronan, I work for the Manchester United Foundation as a primary school officer, and I also work on the Ability Counts Inclusive Reds programme as a coach.

Joe: I came to the Manchester United Foundation as a player at first, where Ronan helped me to be a better player. After I had a bad injury, I became a coach.

Ronan: Ever since I’ve been working with the Manchester United Foundation, I’ve been working on our Ability Counts programme. Joe came down to our training ground a few years ago as a player. Every Friday night we try to help the participants progress as players, enhance their skills, but also help them with their social skills, meet new friends, build their confidence and let them grow as a person. After his injury Joe has been volunteering as a coach and I thought the course would be a great opportunity for him to enhance his skills, learn from other coaches and progress as a person.

Joe: For me, it is about getting out there and helping people with a disability. Hopefully I can inspire other volunteers to think that if he can do that, maybe I can do the same thing as well. Also, I wanted to get a qualification I can build upon and put on my CV.

Ronan: The week has been really beneficial for both of us. Joe got a good report from the participants he’s been coaching this week, and it was great to see him progress as the week went on. The Young Coaches were a little bit shy and nervous on day one, but seeing them taking control of their sessions, being confident and delivering in front of the children is like seeing different people. They all have done really, really well.

Joe: I think I’ve progressed quite a bit, from a player to a coach. I really enjoyed working with the other coaches and I’ve definitely become more sociable. It’s been a great experience. Back in Manchester I want to continue volunteering, because it brings a smile to the kids’ faces. A future goal is to coach my own team one day, maybe with disabilities and maybe even some mainstream activities.