"I love my role..." - Andy Williams on working as volunteer coach

Foundation Community Club coach Andy Williams has spoken of his pride in working with several Foundation of Light teams since starting to volunteer in March 2021.

As part of National Volunteer Week, the Foundation of Light is sharing the stories of some of the people who give their time to improve the lives of others.

Andy had already been around the Foundation Community Club (FCC) – our network of grassroots teams run by volunteer coaches – before getting involved officially. His son represented the Under 10 side and Andy would always go along to matches and help out where he could.

When his son’s coach had to leave due to work commitments, he recommended that Andy take the team. Since then, he has been supported in completing the FA Playmaker and Introduction to Coaching Football courses.

Andy quickly caught the coaching bug, getting a real kick out of developing young people as footballers and people, and he takes real pride in creating a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for his teams to play football.

After three years, he is still coaching the FCC team and has got involved further as co-coach for two of the Foundation’s futsal teams and with a role on the FCC committee.

“I love my role as a volunteer coach and hope to keep going for as long as possible,” Andy commented on his time working with Sunderland AFC’s official charity so far.

“I have received a tonne of support from staff within the Foundation of Light to help me grow and learn how to be the best coach I can be.

“I have spent countless hours studying and trying to improve myself as a coach so I can help the young lads I work with be the best players they can be.

“Hopefully one day I am remembered for being a good role model and have had a positive impact on the group of young lads that I get to call my football family.”

Over 100 volunteers work with FCC teams, giving aspiring young players from U7s to U14s the opportunity to be part of a team and compete in organised football competition.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Foundation of Light, whether with the FCC or any other programmes from football to mental health support, please click here.