How Coaching with LLS Can Build a Career Beyond Sports

In life, there are certain skills that can open doors no matter where you go. Communication, preparation, and determination are essential traits for a career in sports coaching. These are values that all LLS graduates leave with, values that will support them on whatever path they choose. That’s why we sat down with LLS graduate Dan, to talk about how getting qualified with LLS has shaped his life, even outside of a career in sports coaching.

Dan graduated from LLS six years ago. After spending a few summers coaching in Canada, he’s now found his place as a police officer for his local community. Still coaching football on his weekends off, Dan talked to us about how the skills he gained with LLS have helped him succeed in the things he’s passionate about.

Coaching, Policing, Community

The skills you learn as while sports coaching carry over into countless different areas. If there is something you’d like to do outside of sport then coaching could still be a good option for you. In Dan’s words,

“As a coach you deal with all sorts of different people from different walks of life, and that massively helps.”

Coaching teaches you how to lead, communicate, stay organised, and adapt to new situations. These skills are transferable to countless other jobs outside of a career in coaching sports. Dan’s a great example. His communication and interpersonal skills helped him become a policeman in his local community, skills he developed as a coach with LLS.

Giving Back Through Coaching

These days, Dan coaches football as a passion project. He’s been managing the same youth team for five years, watching his players grow not just in skill but in confidence too.

Originally, these kids were stuck on a waitlist, with no coach available. But because of Dan, they got a chance to play. Although some have gone on to play for other teams, they all got their start thanks to Dan’s dedication.

He’s giving back to his community while doing something he loves. This isn’t something Dan has to do, he does it because he wants to. As a result, he’s helping young players find their own passions, just like he did with LLS.

Why Be a Coach?

Dan found himself coaching football during his summer in Canada with Challenger Sports. Although they sent him over as a rugby coach, most of his days were spent coaching football and he loved it. 

Now, he’s got his own side with a local grassroots club, Horsforth St Margarets: the U14 Spartans. One of his biggest joys as a coach is watching his team celebrate a goal like they’ve just won the league. He recalled a moment last season when his team came from behind to snatch a victory: 

“This weekend just gone we had a friendly, we were 2-0 down at halftime and then came back to win 4-3.”

“My lads act like they’ve just won the League Cup every goal they celebrate. Even just for the goal at 2-2, they were there jumping on each other, just for a friendly at 2-all.”

Coaching sports is good for the community. It’s good for the players. And it’s good for Dan. These players are able to play the sport they love because of him. He does it because he loves it, and he’s able to do it because of his time at LLS.