The progress recently made by two young players nicely epitomises the Crossworld story. Richard and Kaka first joined Crossworld through the Friday Project, coming along to kick a ball around on a Friday evening. They graduated to players for the Football Club Project as it became a competitive team, and went on to become leaders – with Richard donning the CFC captain’s armband with pride. Now they are getting their coaching badges: Richard has acquired a Level 2 qualification; Kaka has a Level 1, and is preparing for his Level 2 along with other participants thanks to Crossworld’s funding from Children in Need and Sport England.
Nothing has given Crossworld’s trustees more pleasure than this progression. Firstly it shows that whilst being involved in the project, these young men have acquired the maturity and discipline to become coaches and role models for our other players. And more importantly, it demonstrates that our players care enough about the project and its other participants to give their time as volunteers and help others achieve what they have. A second generation of coaches are now emerging, with four more players planning to take their coaching qualifications soon.
It shows the project coming full circle, with players coming to us through the Friday Project, becoming part of the Football Club Project, and then returning to the Friday Club Project to teach help their former peers grow and develop as they have. It’s the kind of sustainability we want to nurture at Crossworld as we bring on a new generation of players, coaches and leaders.
Real names have not been used in this article.
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