Friendly UEFA C Football Coach | 1-to-1 & Group Coaching | All Ages & Abilities | First Session FREE

Find out more about Ashley

• What age did you start playing sport? Tell us about this time or moment in your life.

  I started playing sports (If I recall correctly)! around the age of six - beginning with Football at Infant School.
  It was a beautiful sunny day - and myself and my classmates were on the pitch having fun and I think that's where I found my love for the sport.
  
  That early experience was a special time because it ignited my love for the game and it helped me start to understand and develop teamwork and discipline from a young age.
  
  I remember the excitement of learning basic skills, playing matches with friends, and feeling part of a community... That moment (and subsequent games/matches) truly shaped my passion for Football, which has stayed with me throughout my life and inspired me to later become a coach and a sports nutritionist - so I can help others enjoy and improve in sport just as I did.

• What are your favourite sports; those that you practice at a high level, a simple hobby, and a sport that you'd still like to discover?

  My favourite sport is Football - which I both play and coach to the high standards that I set for myself.
  Football has been a huge part of my life... both playing - and helping others to improve their skills and tactical understanding brings me joy and happiness.
  
  As a hobby, I also enjoy gaming sports simulations (such as FIFA or Football Manager) and away from the screen, I still do casual Football drills to keep my connection with the sport fresh and fun (and as light/medium exercise).
  
  A sport I’d still like to discover and explore more deeply is Futsal - which I've dabbled with slightly previously... I appreciate the athleticism and quick-decision strategies involved and would like to explore the sport of Futsal in the near-future more closely.

• What gives you the motivation and passion to pursue your sport?

  What motivates me most in Football is the constant opportunity to learn, improve, and connect with others through the sport.
  
  The passion comes from the joy of playing and coaching - the satisfaction of seeing progress in myself and in others (whether it’s mastering a new skill or gaining confidence on the pitch).
  
  Football also fuels my desire to inspire and support players to reach their potential, combining both physical and mental challenges that keep me engaged and motivated every day.

• Do you have a sporting achievement that you're particularly proud of?

  So far, obtaining my UEFA C has been a great achievement for me and I'm really keen to keep developing my knowledge and skill set further.
  
  I am an applicant for the UEFA B but I'm currently awaiting a decision from the FA as to whether I'll be offered a place (fingers crossed)!
  
  Besides my UEFA qualification, I have had the pleasure of being involved as a coach with a local open-age team that secured promotion in a league - and that was a really proud moment for me and inspired me to keep pursuing my own coaching goals.

• How have your achievements and challenges made you a better sportsperson?

  My achievements - such as progressing through coaching qualifications and successfully helping players improve, have reinforced my dedication and confidence in football.
  
  At the same time, the challenges - like overcoming setbacks on the pitch or adapting coaching methods to different players needs, abilities or the number of players involved etc. have taught me resilience, patience, and creative problem-solving.
  
  These experiences combined have made me more adaptable, empathetic, and motivated, which improves not only my own performance - but also how I guide others to reach their best.

• If you had to go for a jog with a famous athlete, who would you choose? And what questions would you ask them?

  Firstly, I'm not a keen jogger... but if I had to go for a jog and ask a sportsperson some questions, I'd probably choose Sarina Wiegman - purely based on her own coaching/management achievements.
  
  Her leadership and success as a Football coach at the highest level such as winning major international trophies and being nominated for the FIFA Women's Coach of the Year and UEFA Women's Coach of the Year multiple times, make her someone I deeply admire.
  
  During the jog, I would ask her about her own approach to coaching players, about how she builds and implements effective team dynamics, how she manages pressure in high-stakes matches - and how she balances the physical and mental demands of the sport... especially as a coach guiding players to reach their full potential.

• How do you help people stay motivated?

  I believe that maintaining motivation comes from creating a positive and supportive environment in Football sessions.
  
  I am friendly and approachable by nature, and I ensure that learners feel comfortable and valued regardless of their age, ability or experience.
  
  I don’t believe in shouting or using non-constructive criticism either.
  
  Instead, I focus on encouraging encouragement, setting achievable goals, and celebrating progress.
  I find that people stay motivated when they feel respected, supported, and confident in their own ability to improve, and I always aim to foster that mindset in my coaching - which I'm quite thankful to say, comes naturally to me.

• What makes you a Superprof in sports?

  What makes me a Superprof in sports is my combination of professional coaching knowledge, practical playing experience, and genuine passion for helping others improve.
  
  I bring a friendly, approachable style that makes learners feel comfortable and motivated - and I tailor sessions to individual needs, focussing not just on skills - but also on confidence, ability, teamwork (if applicable), and mindset.
  I’m dedicated to players' personal growth and I provide clear, constructive feedback without shouting or negativity, and I create a fun, supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive.