Award Winning Starlets Coach Aims to Inspire
29 November 2017
Week in, week out, a largely unsung army of coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers commit their time and energy to help ensure others can take part in sport and enjoy all the benefits it brings.
We know that without them there would be much less opportunity for everyone to get out and play, so it was great to see their efforts being recognised at this years' annual Hertfordshire Service to Sport Awards.
The Starlets family were out in force to see the winners announced and it was a real honour for us to spend the evening among those who have done so much to promote participation in sport across Hertfordshire.
Having existed as a club for less than a year, to even be nominated was more than we could ever have hoped for, so we are immensely proud to see one of our own come away with one of the awards.
Denise Wells, coach of our Under 11s team, picked up the award for ‘Female Community Coach of the Year’ and the honour is well deserved.
In the words of the judges “Denise is passionate about girls’ football in it’s entirety. She’s a kind, patient and a calm coach, who goes out of her way to focus on individual needs, boost confidence and improve skill”.
“Denise always puts Stevenage Starlets Football Club first and spends so much of her time making the club as successful as possible”.
Naturally we couldn’t agree more. Denise is the driving force behind our club and we are all grateful for the incredible amount of time and effort she puts in, both as a coach and also as our Club Secretary.
We caught up with Denise to ask why she’s willing to do so much to help girls get into playing football and what receiving this award means to her.
“Of course it’s lovely to be recognised in this way, but you don’t do it to win awards. For me it’s really all about the girls and the pleasure that comes from seeing them enjoy playing the game”.
“Just to be able to work with such a fantastic group of kids and be part of their football journey, to help them not only to improve their skills, but also see them grow and develop as individuals is a real joy”.
“Playing football can make a big difference to girls’ lives in so many ways, from physical exercise to building their confidence, not to mention the great friendships that come from being part of a team”.
“So if there is one thing that comes out of winning this award I hope it helps others to see how much the contribution of a coach is valued and that they might feel inspired to get involved”.
“We’re growing rapidly as a club and it’s always a challenge to find coaches to take new teams. There’s huge enthusiasm from girls to play the game and we wouldn’t want to deny anyone that opportunity”.
“There’s no doubt it’s a big commitment to coach a team, but in my experience it’s well worth it because it’s so rewarding to be part of something that has the potential to have such a positive impact”.
So if you think you might want to join us as a coach and be part of inspiring the next generation of female footballers, please get in touch.
All you need is a passion for the game and a desire to help girls reach their full potential. Even if you have not been involved in coaching before we can support you and help you to gain the necessary qualifications.
Email us today at coach@starletsfc.com to find out more.
