Last year students from Aberdeen College took part in a volunteer development programme ran by the Scottish Football Association in conjunction with Aberdeen Football Club’s AFC Community Trust. After interviews, three students were selected as part of the 24 week programme.

One of those three was Kris Mavor who said “I was always interested in coaching and that was the aspect of the programme that really made me want to get involved.”

The programme itself was split into ‘blocks’ of six week periods. These blocks involved a variety of different experiences such as working with children at St Machar Academy and at Aberdeen FC. These blocks focused on a number of principles ranging from developing footballing ability to teaching pupils skills which will help them in later life.

The variety of the programme meant that the interns also worked within the community in various different projects, with groups such as the elderly and ethnic minorities. For example, one of the programmes being run was ‘Still Game’ which focused on getting people over the age of 65 to keep active and social with activities including bowling and curling.

Kris said: “I always felt as if I was a part of the community, but the volunteer development programme really opened doors for me. It allowed me to work in areas and with people I usually wouldn’t get the chance to meet, and to also help bring about a positive change.”

Since being involved with the programme, Kris has now gained employment at Aberdeen FC as a coach with their Under 12 team. Kris said “I really enjoyed the programme and kept doing work within the community and shadowing others coaches.”

He continued: “Around two months after the volunteer development programme I gained a job at Aberdeen FC. I certainly feel that the course greatly benefited me and played a huge part in gaining employment. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity.”

Steven Sweeney, Scottish FA Senior Community Coach:
 
“We first met Kris when he was part of the Internship Programme as part of NES COL and the SFA. Right from the start Kris has shown an excellent attitude, work ethic and receptiveness to learning which all young aspiring coaches must have. We congratulate Kris on his achievements so far and we look forward to continuing having him work in our programmes going forward.”