College students to attend virtual FA Leadership Academy

More young people than ever before from colleges will be attending the FA Leadership Academy (FALA) event next month. FALA is an annual event created and delivered by The FA National Youth Council but for the first time in its history, it will take place virtually over three days from Monday 3 August, instead of being a residential at St George’s Park. Through our partnership with The FA, AoC Sport will support the delivery of the event and has nominated two students to attend. The days will be packed with exciting opportunities for the young people to connect with and hear from special guests, take part in mind and body physical activity sessions, engaging evening fun activities to get to know other attendees, watch live cook-offs and other challenges run by the NYC and even get involved in their own daily challenges. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for young people to develop themselves and build the collective capability of youth leaders and of the network of Youth Councils and Forums. The event is accompanied by a 12-month learning and development plan, during which the youth leaders are supported to create and implement a project within their local communities, which aids the growth and development of other young people, youth leaders and the game as a whole. In total seven students from colleges will be attending: Skye Smith- FA Women’s Football Apprentice at Hartpury College (nominated by AoC Sport) Skye currently works as an FA Women’s Football Apprentice, her work revolves around engaging girls in football in their primary schools, college enrichment sessions or through Wildcats. Along with coaching sessions, an important part of her role is to recruit and find coaching opportunities for student volunteers within Hartpury College. This helps to build their leadership, organisation and confidence. Ethan Reed - foundation degree in Sports Studies at University Centre Weston Ethan has engaged in multiple volunteering opportunities, including primary and secondary school football delivery across a wide range of settings. He also works at his local football club and delivers sessions in the community to children from deprived areas. Yahya Sheikh-Hassan- Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts at NewVIc Sixth Form College (nominated by AoC Sport) Yahya was AoC Sport’s Student Volunteer of the Year for 2019-20. He has shown great leadership, maturity and responsibility and is thriving as assistant coach of the college football team. In addition, he also volunteers as a coach at his local youth football team every Saturday. Augustine Nnaemeka Martins – Leeds City College Augustine helps the coaching team to prepare and set up sessions at college. He also uses his language skills at futsal sessions to translate from English to Italian for those where English is their second language, thereby helping them overcome the language barrier and be more included in the sessions. Katie Sharkey – Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching at Weston College Whilst at college Katie has planned and run all SFA youth tournaments on site and delivered sessions at local primary schools. Outside of college Katie has set up a Wildcats programme from scratch, helps at her local u15s female football team and has also referees in both local and college fixtures. Molly Haglington – Level 3 in Sport at Barnsley College Molly is a This Girl Can ambassador at the college and a member of the Leadership Academy. Her passion for football and attitude towards her continuous professional development are other positive traits. The opportunity to attend FALA will benefit her sports development skills, career opportunities and enrich her experience at college. Shanti Mayne - A Level student at Peter Symonds College Shanti is currently the female football ambassador at the college and has helped referee a 5-a-side Football League and hosted Turn Up and Play Football sessions. She took part in the FA Playmaker Pilot Scheme this year and has ambitions to qualify as a referee.