AFC Wimbledon Foundation helps Dons fan Ben turn his dreams into reality.

Football and AFC Wimbledon mad, Ben, spends a lot of his time following his beloved Club and analysing their matches. This passion, devotion and knowledge of the game means Ben dreams of becoming a football coach one day.

However, he was unsure how he would turn this enthusiasm into realistic targets and goals to enable him to build his skills and confidence in coaching.

Ben enrolled on the Training Ground programme at his Club, to seek advice and guidance.

EFL in the Community’s Training Ground programme is currently available to those aged 16-24 living within the Greater London Authority area and is an employability programme designed to support those seeking employment or further training.  The Training Ground programme offers small groups the chance to receive one to one mentoring, participate in group workshops on topics such as life skills and money management, undertake work experience or volunteering in a range of contexts, to develop employability skills, and to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Initially, Ben felt uncertain about how to navigate his path into coaching; he struggled with setting specific goals. The programme offered him valuable resources and support, helping him gain confidence in his abilities.

Over the course of the programme, Ben’s confidence grew significantly as he learnt to set and achieve weekly goals; this structured approach has allowed him to make visible progress in his coaching journey.

Whilst on the Training Ground programme Ben completed the FA Playmaker course supported by BT which is aimed at providing skills, guidance and tips so anyone can help create safe, fun, and inclusive football. As well as this, he also completed his FA Induction to Football, marking another important step forward in his development as a coach.

Ben explained: “Football is my passion. The opportunity to participate in the Training Ground programme at AFC Wimbledon was like a dream come true. It has helped me to be in the place where I fit and perform best. At the start of the programme, I was unsure if I would receive help to pursue my dream of becoming a coach, as the weeks went on, everything started to change. Each week I set small goals with my mentor, and I can see real results.”

With Ben’s love for the game and his determination to continually improve, he has begun paving the way for a successful career in the sport he loves.