Story added: 14th April 2022

The visit was the big finale of the Junior Coaching Academy course

A group of 23 young aspiring coaches were given the opportunity to meet key Norwich City staff and players with a special visit to the Lotus Training Centre yesterday.

The visit was the big finale of a Norwich City Community Sports Foundation coaching course – the Junior Coaching Academy – aimed at 12 to 16-year-olds.

After enjoying front-of-house seats at the Canaries first-team training session, the young group spent time meeting Head Coach Dean Smith, Assistant Head Coach Craig Shakespeare and Sporting Director Stuart Webber.

The trio heard about the young participants experiences with the Junior Coaching Academy, and shared their own career advice and tips.

The group also enjoyed discussions with Head of Physical Performance Glyn Lewis, Senior Physical Performance Coach Jay Eastoe-Smith, First-Team Coach Liam Bramley and Goalkeeping Coach Ed Wootten.

Shaun Howes, the Foundation’s Workforce Development Manager, said:

“We’re really grateful for the incredible access we were given by Stuart, Dean and his team at the Lotus Training Centre. They were excellent with the young group, answering all their questions and really making them feel welcome.”

The Junior Coaching Academy was designed to give participants a first insight into coaching and teaching P.E. as a career choice.

As well as their visit to the Lotus Training Centre, the youngsters have benefited from three days of practical and theory workshops, personal development sessions and the chance to plan and deliver a tournament on a Foundation Soccer School.

Shaun added:

“We’ve had a really enjoyable three days with group. It’s inspiring to see them thinking about their future careers at such a young age – this could be the next generation of Norfolk coaches and teachers coming through.”

Having graduated from the Junior Coaches Academy, the group of young coaches will now get the opportunity to build up their experience through a range of volunteering opportunities with the Foundation.

If you’d like to find out more about coaching pathways with the Community Sports Foundation, please contact [email protected].