Applying to The Football Association (FA) National Youth Council has probably been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I grew up playing football and have always loved the game, but getting chances to play didn’t always come easily, and I often had to look for them myself. When they did come, I felt lucky, but I also felt bad that a lot of my friends were still looking for the same chances. That stayed with me, and it’s a big reason I wanted to help the next generation have more meaningful opportunities in the game.

So when a friend who mentors at the FA Leadership Academy (please find more information on the programme here: https://www.englandfootball.com/participate/volunteer/young-volunteers) told me about the council, I was interested straight away. I liked that the team strives for all young people to have meaningful chances and a positive impact on the game. And as someone just starting out in the football industry, it felt like a good place to learn while using my skills to make a difference.

Before the meeting at St George’s Park, we all introduced ourselves online. I was excited, but I was also surprised by how much the others had already done in football, and as the weekend got closer, I started to feel nervous. I was about to walk into a room full of people with far more experience than me in the game.

That feeling faded quickly. At the end of the first day, everyone shared their mood boards, and I learned more about each person. The senior leadership team made sure I didn’t feel left out or overwhelmed, and my teammates were kind and supportive all weekend. We also played a few games together, which helped us get to know each other.

The sessions were a big part of the weekend, and one of my favourites was on equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB). It looked at how to create a safe, accessible and positive space where everyone feels welcome, and it’s where I learned the difference between equality and equity. Equality means giving everyone the same support, while equity means giving each person the support they need.

The session explained it with the example of people trying to see over a fence. If everyone gets the same stool, it doesn’t solve the problem for everyone, because not everyone needs the same height. A stool that suits each person is what makes it fairer. I think this topic deserves more attention than it sometimes gets.

But the highlight for me came away from the workshops, in a kickabout on one of the indoor pitches at St George’s Park. We only had an hour, but I tried to take in every minute. I have played football for most of my life, and a few years ago I would not have believed I would ever play there. I was still a bit starstruck. As much as I want to work in sport and make a real difference, playing is still what brings me the most joy, and I left the pitch with a big smile on my face wanting to help others have that opportunity in the game.

I came home with a new spark to help young people in football. I am excited to start work as the research and insight lead, and I am looking forward to the second meeting.

If you are worried you do not have enough experience to apply to the FA National Youth Council, I was too. Most of my teammates already had youth leadership experience, and I did not. But the team made it easy to settle in, and I would encourage you to apply when applications open next season.

Our first meeting of the season was brilliant and I cannot wait to see the impact the team will make this season. Stay tuned to the online community and our social media (@thefa_nyc on Instagram) to see more!