07/08/2025
FA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2025
This was an opportunity I never saw coming as a FALA participant in 2022, my time as an FA National Youth Councillor comes to an end concluding my 2024/25 season.
The “FALA Feeling” cannot be explained, only experienced.
As a member of the delivery team, months of planning was squeezed into 6 days of ex*****on and delivery surrounded by some of the most caring, charismatic and creative minds I’ve ever had the pleasure of connecting with; not just in football. a special mention to , , and .scott73. It has been brilliant working with you as part of the Community Engagement team.
To showcase my own legacy as a youth leader to the next generation, both as an opening ceremony host alongside .manna.music and Kelly Simmons OBE (fresh from witnessing another Lionesses victory) and turning thought into action alongside Steph Powell within our “Planning for Success” workshop.
I’m grateful to relive an elevated version of my participant experience again and do it alongside the incredible , wider delivery team and mentors, is an opportunity I will cherish very much and stay with me for a lifetime. Those who I spent particular time with within the Pink and Black teams, I enjoyed having a chance to share my story to a greater extent.
To enable others to feel like they can drive positive change in their own communities by sharing my own experiences, really feels like a full circle moment for me and I can’t wait to see where the cohort go next with their projects. Football to me has always been more than just a game. My legacy continues to grow far beyond what I ever thought was possible and it happens way before anyone steps onto a pitch.
There have been times where I been reluctant to celebrate my light however I’m reminded that “as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to celebrate myself and shine my light. and Katana you played a monumental part in this happening for us all.
I look forward starting my next opportunity.
