Story added: 14th April 2022
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].
17th April 2025
Last Friday was all go at The Nest, as six representative CCO teams took to the pitches for the Premier League Kicks Cup.
19th March 2025
The Community Sports Foundation is delighted to announce that Chaplin Farrant have officially come on board as a Foundation partner, sponsoring Norwich City’s Cerebral Palsy Football Team
11th March 2025
For International Women's Day 2025 we hosted a special event at The Nest for girls from local schools.
7th February 2025
The Foundation's Girls' Football & Education team will host the NFYL League Cup semi-final at The Nest on Wednesday, 12th of February as they look to build on a successful season.
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.
Ready for an adventure? Join us this July for the Three Peaks Challenge and help support the incredible work of the Community Sports Foundation. This is your chance to conquer the UK’s most iconic mountains, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon – all in one unforgettable weekend.
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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