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Laurisa Robson
Laurisa Robson is 18 years old and lives in Bolsover with her Mum and 2 sisters. She has always enjoyed participating in sport. She still clearly remembers attending Bolsover District Council's Go Football Programme (now Spireites Soccer Schools) as a youngster with her sisters. Her love for sport has led her to become involved in coaching and leading others. At the Derbyshire Sports Awards on 11th November Laurisa was crowned Young Sports Leader/Coach of the Year, an incredible achievement. She has recently received a Derbyshire Young Achievers Award.
Laurisa's Latest News (10.09.12)
I've recently received my A Level results and I'm looking forward to starting my Sports Coaching and Development degree at Winchester University.
How did you first get into coaching?
I've always enjoyed participating in sport and PE. I first started to support sessions in Year 7 at my school. My PE teacher asked if I would help out. I really enjoyed it and then started to do more leadership in school both at dinner times and after school. As they say the rest is history!
Is there anyone who particularly inspired you to get involved in leadership?
Miss Perks who was my PE teacher and form tutor inspired me to first get involved in leadership at school. She is a great role model, she is friendly and passionate about sport. Even now she still helps and supports me.
Do you still play sport yourself?
As I'm now in Year 13 I'm concentrating and focusing on my A Level studies. I'm studying PE, Psychology and History. I have had to cut down on quite a few things including participating in sport myself. I still play a bit of Netball and Football but not as much as I used to do. I just haven't got the time to fit everything in.
What qualifications/workshops have you completed?
In October 2010 I completed the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership with the Bolsover District Council Sports Development Team. I was selected to be one of the first people to be accepted on to the Bolsover Leadership and Coaching Academy (BLACA). Through this I completed the Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football as well as a number of ScUK workshops including Coaching Disabled Performers, Equity in your Coaching and Fundamentals of Movement. Through school I also gained the Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership and completed the Rounders, Netball, Football and Hockey junior organisers courses.
What qualifications/workshops would you like to complete?
I'm looking forward to completing the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football after I turn 18. I'm also considering doing a referee course. I'm particularly keen to focus on gaining Football qualifications as that is the main sport I have been coaching most recently.
What are your plans for 2012? Are there any key dates/events you are working towards/looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to the prospect of starting University. I have applied to Northumbria University to study Sports Coaching and Development. I have exams in January and June to complete and I hope to start studying in September 2012.
Have you any plans to go to the London 2012 Olympics/Paralympics?
I would love to go but I haven't got tickets. It would be great to see Netball but I know tickets have been hard to come by.
What advice would you give someone who was interested in becoming a sports coach?
Just go for it. Its definately the most rewarding thing you can do. Its great to see children develop their sports skills. I get such a buzz from coaching people. The Football team I started to coach last year struggled to win a single game at the start of the season but by the end they only just narrowly missed out on the finals! I went into my old primary school a couple of weeks ago, talking about my experiences as a sports leader. One of the children at the end said that I had inspired them. Its a wonderful feeling knowing you can make a difference.
How many hours a week do you coach/lead?
At the moment I coach about 3 hours a week. As I said before I have had to cut back a lot to concentrate on my studies. I coach the ladies Football team after school and also support a local Back to Netball session and the school Netball team. I also attend the teams matches too.
Talk us through a typical week in the life of Laurisa Robson
- Monday - I coach the ladies Football team after school
- Tuesday - I go to training with St John's Ambulance, which I have been involved in since I was 6 years old. I am a assistant badger leader and support the 5-11 year olds.
- Wednesday - I'm Secretary of Netherthorpe School's debate society. Meetings take place after school. I write and disitribute the minutes and identify speakers.
- Thursday - my day off! Plus any homework I have to complete.
- Friday - At school I'm a senior peer counsellor, senior prefect and part of the choir.
- Saturday and Sunday - I work at Costa Coffee and complete any homework.
Though this is a typical week I do get emails and phone calls from the FA where they ask me my availability to attend events and conferences, sometimes at quite short notice.
What support do you receive from the FA?
I'm part of the Football Futures Programme and have a dedicated mentor who offers support. I'm able to attend and shadow sessions to develop my knowledge and skills further and ask any questions. Its good to know that I can contact them whenever I need to. I will graduate from the Football Futures Programme in 2014. The FA supports me with volunteering opportunities and signposting me to courses and workshops.
What does your family think to your coaching?
My family are really proud, especially my Mum. She is very supportive and always takes me to places. She's not so keen about washing my kit though!
How difficult is it to balance volunteering with studying for your A Levels?
It is difficult, there just isn't enough time in the day and I have particularly started to realise that I just can't do everything. I know I need to work hard in order to secure the grades I need to get into the University. I love coaching so much that when people used to ask me to do other sessions I couldn't say no, I love it so much. I have to be realistic and so I have had to cut back on the amount of volunteering and coaching I do. I have to put my school work first.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
My dream job is to coach Football in America (but don't tell my Mum, she wouldn't be happy about me living that far away!) I would love to go on Camp America. I'm independent and I like meeting new people.
Has any individual/coach particularly supported/advised/influenced you?
As I said before Miss Perks was someone who has inspired me. I have also had a lot of support from Caroline White, the School Sports Coordinator (SSCO) at Netherthorpe School. She encouraged me to take up all the opportunities that were presented to me and also put me forwards for the Adistar Ambassador role.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
In October 2010 I was one of only 4 people in the whole country to be selected to travel to Trinidad and Tobago to coach Football to other young leaders and children. Originally 3,500 individuals applied to be part of the FA's Football Futures International Programme. I had to attend various national camps, conferences and have an interview at Wembley before being selected. When I found out I had got a place I was speechless (which is probably the first time in my whole life!). It was a great experience and I'm so thankful for the opportunity. I learnt a lot about myself and my coaching skills have improved as a result. Last September I was the guest speaker at the Bolsover District Sports Awards. Over 250 people attended and individuals included coaches, athletes, volunteers, teams, Councillors, sponsors and partners of the Council. I talked about my leadership journey so far and was also asked some questions. Though I was a bit nervous I really enjoyed the experience and was thrilled to be asked. I can definately take confidence from the experience.
Last Updated on Monday, 10 September 2012 14:53
