Wear 25: Emily turns passion for football into coaching experience

Emily Burns has become the Foundation of Light’s latest Wear 25 Award winner in recognition of her personal development and commitment as a volunteer across a range of events.

Each month throughout the Foundation of Light’s 25th anniversary year, the charity is recognising individuals who are making a positive impact through its wide range of programmes.

Emily is a player within the Foundation’s Female Player Pathway and has recently been invited to join its high-performance Emerging Talent Centre group.

The 15-year-old has been attending Foundation sessions since the age of seven, but alongside her progress as a player, she has started to explore opportunities in coaching.

Recognising her enthusiasm and commitment to developing a career in football beyond playing, the Foundation invited Emily to volunteer as a coach.

After initially supporting holiday courses, Emily has continued to grow in confidence and has gone on to volunteer at a variety of sessions, including Little Dribblers and May’s Play on the Pitch event.

She was a fantastic support during Play on the Pitch, engaging with children across a range of age groups and helping to ensure every participant enjoyed a positive experience.

Emily’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone, embrace new opportunities and inspire younger participants has made her a deserving recipient of the latest Wear 25 Award.