Coach Cairdy

MY GOLDEN CIRCLE TO BEGIN 2025/26.

I have definitely blurred some of the HOWs and WHATs but the clearest bit of my reflection is my WHY.

It gets me out of bed every morning with the energy to go out and make things happen.

STRIDE SUMMER 2025!

Didn’t really know what to expect from joining a social run club this summer but blew any expectations I may have had out of the water!

Despite having a few Sundays away finalising my football season, every spare Sunday has been spent in great company and just getting up and at it to start the day off on the right foot (literally)!

With my first running event on the horizon, might be time to step it up a notch as I get back to coaching football properly as September is upon us!

A massive thank you to and the entire team for being so welcoming and motivating on every single run! Stride is definitely the place to be 🤩🥳❤️

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EMBRACE AND EMPOWER

Football is more than just a game - it’s an opportunity for so many people to find safety, value and a sense of achievement all in one place - and it looks so different wherever you go.

The crazy part is that the feelings we all experience are exactly the same. Football connects us. It brings people together. It quite literally gets the ball rolling.

I’m excited to share with you my experiences and journey as I hold my head up high and walk through the next door of opportunity. This past season has been my biggest challenge so far for so many reasons and yet it has rewarded me ten times over.

Let’s get to work! ⚽️🥳

FA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2025

This was an opportunity I never saw coming as a FALA participant in 2022, my time as an FA National Youth Councillor comes to an end concluding my 2024/25 season.

The “FALA Feeling” cannot be explained, only experienced.

As a member of the delivery team, months of planning was squeezed into 6 days of ex*****on and delivery surrounded by some of the most caring, charismatic and creative minds I’ve ever had the pleasure of connecting with; not just in football. a special mention to , , and .scott73. It has been brilliant working with you as part of the Community Engagement team.

To showcase my own legacy as a youth leader to the next generation, both as an opening ceremony host alongside .manna.music and Kelly Simmons OBE (fresh from witnessing another Lionesses victory) and turning thought into action alongside Steph Powell within our “Planning for Success” workshop.

I’m grateful to relive an elevated version of my participant experience again and do it alongside the incredible , wider delivery team and mentors, is an opportunity I will cherish very much and stay with me for a lifetime. Those who I spent particular time with within the Pink and Black teams, I enjoyed having a chance to share my story to a greater extent.

To enable others to feel like they can drive positive change in their own communities by sharing my own experiences, really feels like a full circle moment for me and I can’t wait to see where the cohort go next with their projects. Football to me has always been more than just a game. My legacy continues to grow far beyond what I ever thought was possible and it happens way before anyone steps onto a pitch.

There have been times where I been reluctant to celebrate my light however I’m reminded that “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to celebrate myself and shine my light. and Katana you played a monumental part in this happening for us all.

I look forward starting my next opportunity.

THOUGHTS TO TAKE WITH YOU.

Back at STRIDE RUN CLUB!

After having a week off, I’m glad joined me for ’s Social Sunday run.

With the football season winding down and my new job being something I’ve worked really hard for, it’s great to find new ways to enjoy movement and getting outdoors that doesn’t involve a football pitch sometimes.

Bumped into .sheppy and there too! Some of my favourite people ever.

I’d highly recommend coming along if you’re just looking to enjoy running with incredibly friendly and motivating people. See you there soon!

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A QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF AS A PROJECT LEADER IN FOOTBALL.

A QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF AS A YOUTH LEADER IN FOOTBALL.

FA NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING 4!

The weekend of the 21st of March was a brilliant one as it meant catching back up with the team and preparing for delivery of The FA Leadership Academy 2025.

Returning to Walton Hall was quite a surreal experience as last time I was here, I had graduated FALA 2022, I’d been awarded The Outstanding Youth Leader Award and wasn’t quite prepared for the amazing journey “Off Your Chest” would take me on - including my involvement within for 2024/25.

Working alongside , , .scott73 and virtually every week means it is even better when we get a chance to catch up in person. Additionally, starting to plan a key aspect of delivery with .manna.music is an exciting opportunity to learn and guide our own work but inspire the next generation of participants who will experience the FALA feeling! My perspective and excitement was only elevated by the amazing team and who were just as incredible in person as I’d hoped! I got so much from their workshop and will definitely be replicating the “scrabble letters” opening activity back in my work.

I don’t want to give too much away just yet as I’m super excited to begin shaping and evolving work alongside an incredibly challenging time for me personally. I’m pleased to stay the vision for my work is still the same; to continue to use the power of football to change lives.

Here’s to the beginning of planning !