Our

Story

Ross

&

James

James (Tandem Partner): I think Ross has come a long way from the person who arrived at the education programme in Belfast. At the beginning of the course he was very timid and hardly spoke, and now you see him delivering football sessions with confidence. I am really proud of him.

Ross (Young Coach): The first day of the training in Belfast I was maybe not so confident but over the last couple of days I think I smashed it, as I got that extra help and I really appreciated that.

James: I think the Tandem aspect gave Ross the confidence as he knew that there was someone there to support him, he wasn’t alone.

Ross: Having the support of James here in Basel has really helped. Without him I do not think I would have been able to do it. He provides support and encouragement and I am able to learn a lot from him.

James: Working with Ross has taught me a lot about disability. We have both been able to benefit from the experience.

Ross: The training [in Belfast] may not have given me a [coaching] badge, but it has given me the confidence to teach kids. I am now coaching a Down’s Syndrome team twice a month. It has not been easy for me growing up, as I have always been told “you can’t do it” – but I have shown that I can.

James: The programme has been really beneficial for me too. It has opened my eyes to a new area of coaching. Working as a Tandem we can learn from each other. I coach for a mainstream team and after this experience I realise that this is the area I want to work. Seeing the impact that you can have on these kids is what it is all about – it really is special.

Ross: Having the opportunity to come to Basel feels like a dream come true, it really does. The highlight of my week has been wearing the Northern Ireland kit. If anyone is given this opportunity, take it. It’s been the best thing I’ve done in a long time.