Wear 25: Young footballer Maizie recognised for personal growth

Budding footballer Maizie Lou Stamp has been recognised as one of the Foundation of Light’s Wear 25 winners for January for her progress within the female football pathway and her personal development.

Each month throughout the Foundation of Light’s 25^th anniversary year, we will be recognising individuals who are making strides throughout our varied programmes.

As Maizie’s football improved within the Player Development Centre (PDC), the 14-year-old was moved into a higher-level Player Performance Centre (PPC) group.

However, her transition into the new group wasn’t smooth. In her first session, Maizie did not join in at all, becoming timid, and just watching from the side.

Foundation coach Kirsty McFarlane decided to take Maizie away from the session for a chat. Sensing that Maizie may have been overwhelmed by the new session, Kirsty decided to move the talk away from football, having a more general chat to take her mind away from it.

Maizie had similar problems adjusting to the PDC in her early days and Kirsty suspected there may have been similar issues at play, including nerves about stepping up to a higher level and being introduced to a new group with very few familiar faces.

Kirsty realised that the player just needed time and reassurance, and after a positive chat, Maizie assured her that she would join in the next session.

Maizie is now growing in confidence in every session with the PPC, joining in and expressing herself in her football. Maizie’s football has continued to improve, but more importantly, she has been forming friendships and finding her voice within the session.