October half-term saw Worcestershires very own Doug Howie and 3 other young leaders embark on a life changing adventure to Africa as part of the FA’s Changing Lives, Saving Lives International Leadership project.
After attending County and Regional camps Doug was selected to represent the County at The FA’s National Leadership and Volunteering Camp 2009 along with over 100 Young Leaders from across the country. The camp was filled with other shining examples of young people from far and wide and Doug was one of only 4 that were given the opportunity to travel to Botswana to support the South East District Youth League (SEDYEL) along with a Team of FA Staff.
Reflecting on the experience Doug, 18 from Malvern, said “I expected the experience to be life changing and it has been. In fact, it has exceeded my expectations”.
A reflective Doug continued “…the energy and excitement of the children we coached and the young leaders we mentored was phenomenal and whilst the language barrier was a challenge, at times the youngsters thirst for learning and playing the beautiful game was endearing! An inspirational and overwhelming experience; one that I am very grateful to have had”.
This fantastic achievement also goes to show the success of the Young Leadership programme in Worcestershire as Doug is the second young leader in 3 years to travel to Africa from the County after Ted Grizzell was selected to go to Malawi in 2007.
Ted, now Worcestershire FA Community Football Coach, stated “Having worked with Doug on many occasions it is clear to see why he made such an impression at the National camp and thoroughly deserved the opportunity following the huge amount of volunteering he has completed in the community. He is a superb example of a young leader and a credit to the county. Having been involved in the programme myself I know that returning from Africa is by no means the end of the journey, this is a long term project that works alongside Young Leaders to develop people not just to become Coaches, Referees and Football Administrators, but to give them life skills. Two in 3 years is a fantastic and remarkable achievement for Worcestershire and truly demonstrates the strength of the programme on a County level.”
The Worcestershire Football Association would like to congratulate Doug once again on a fantastic achievement.
Would you like to enrol on the Young Leadership Programme? Please click the link located on the right hand side of this page.
For further details on the programme please contact:
Matt Jones – Football Development Officer
matt.jones@worcestershirefa.com | 01905 827137 (ext 206)