Story added: 17th January 2018
Ryan Hunt has had a passion for football since he can first remember, and always dreamed of one day becoming a sports coach.
The youngster started out playing for his local community football club, and his talent on the pitch saw him involved with both the Community Sports Foundation’s (CSF) Boys’ Elite Player Development Centre (PDC) and Norwich City FC Academy.
In the classroom, however, Ryan struggled. Severely dyslexic, he has trouble with visual scanning, processing, and working memory. Because of this, he found it difficult to stay focussed and often got “lost” during lessons.
With GCSE’s looming, Ryan applied for the Foundation’s Football & Education programme, hoping he would obtain the grades required to gain a place.
“I was struggling badly,” explained Ryan. “I was revising pretty much every night, trying my hardest to study and pass my exams to get on to the course.”
Ryan was determined to gain more practical coaching experience; he took the time to volunteer at a number of CSF events and programmes throughout his teenage years.
“Football was something I always wanted to be involved in, I always tried hard to impress the other CSF staff and coaches just to show how much I really wanted to work there.”
Unfortunately, Ryan did not receive the grades to enrol on the Football & Education course but having proved his dedication with his volunteering, CSF offered Ryan a bespoke apprenticeship to become a support coach.
Since then, Ryan has completed his apprenticeship, and has now been offered a full-time role as a Community Sports Coach.
“He has come on leaps and bounds and is developing into a really nice young man.” said CSF Coach Development Manager Laurence York. “I would like to stress how much hard work Ryan has put in to get himself to this point.”
To find out more about CSF coaching opportunities, please contact [email protected].
"The support and help that CSF has given Ryan has been nothing short of outstanding – right from a young age. He is doing what he loves, learning new things everyday and has achieved his goals."
Michelle Hunt
Ryan's mother
9th April 2024
This summer, the EFL, EFL Trust and their network Club Community Organisations have partnered with Kellogg’s to launch the Kellogg’s Football Camps.
21st March 2024
Fourteen-year-old Isabella originally joined our PAN-disability football programme in an attempt to help her improve her anxiety and regular physical outbursts.
15th March 2024
For International Women's Day 2024, we hosted a special event at The Nest for girls from local schools.
13th March 2024
We are looking for aspiring coaches to help us deliver a variety of different sessions across Norfolk.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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