Football Coach

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

Working closely with our member of staff, this role will support our established football practice sessions in the Leatherhead area once a week on Friday  1pm to 2pm).  Based at a local community facility, this will be a rewarding and fun role for someone seeking a regular opportunity to get involved and make a difference to people's lives.   It will suit someone who enjoys football as well as supporting people whilst helping to establish a team spirit along with all the benefits that can bring.  Although football is a competitive sport, this isn't the primary objective of the group as we like to encourage those with mixed abilities to join in.  

The role also includes a small amount of time either side of the football sessions to set up, pack away materials and debrief where appropriate.  Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.  Most of the players end up going for a coffee and chat afterwards at the local cafe creating a really good opportunity to build relationship and team dynamics.

Key Points

•Weekly including setting up and packing away time.

• Friday 12:45 to 2:15pm  (1pm to 2pm service)

•Leatherhead (local community facility)

•Medium to long term involvement (12 months plus)

What skills do I need?

What we ask of you

•Support the member of staff to deliver weekly activities

•Lead and coach the team encouraging all abilities and group dynamics (team spirit)

•Help set up, pack away and debrief with the support volunteer as required

•Welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

•Deal with any difficulty that may arise along with the member of staff / facilitator where necessary

•Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

•Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Benefits you will receive

•Being part of a friendly, caring and supportive service

•Share the joy of football with others irrespective of ability of those who attend the service

•Making a difference to the lives of other people

•Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health 

•Regular involvement in your community

•Training relevant to the role

•Reimbursement of travel expenses

Qualities that make a successful Football Coach

•Someone with good football playing knowledge 

•Ability to teach / show others

•Good interpersonal skills, reliable, friendly, flexible

•Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

•Ability to work as part of a small team

•Passionate about supporting other people

Please note:  

You do not need to have any previous volunteer experience to volunteer for this role although the ability to get on with people and communicate well with others is key.