It all started with an application.

I first heard about the Football Association Leadership Academy (FALA) while taking part in the Rising Leaders programme, supported by The Football Association (The FA) and delivered by the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport. At the time, I didn’t realise how much that moment would shape the opportunities available to me today.

Initially, I was hesitant to apply. From what I had heard, FALA required participants to create, plan, and deliver a project—and I had no idea where to begin. I hadn’t come across the programme before. However, through encouragement from staff and conversations with previous participants, my curiosity grew. In the end, I applied, recognising it as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself in a new environment.

The scale of the programme was a big change for me. I was used to small groups, but suddenly I was part of a cohort of 63 participants. I questioned whether I would be able to connect with so many people and fully engage in the experience. At one point, I even considered stepping away.

Despite these doubts, I reminded myself that everyone shared the same goal: to make a positive impact in their communities through football. That perspective, along with seeing some familiar faces, gave me the confidence to continue.

On the first day, I remained quiet, observing and taking everything in. Even then, I felt I had made the right decision. By the second day, I began to open up—building connections, forming friendships, and growing in confidence. The environment was welcoming, supportive, and inclusive, and I quickly realised I was surrounded by inspiring, like-minded people. These connections became a key part of my journey and personal development.

FALA inspired me to create my project, Your Space, a futsal initiative designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for girls in Calderdale. Growing up, futsal played a significant role in my life, but I recognised there were limited local opportunities. I wanted to give back by creating a space where players could enjoy the game without pressure or judgement, while feeling supported and included.

Your Space is intentionally non-competitive, allowing players to develop at their own pace, build friendships, and most importantly, enjoy the game. My aim is for them to return each week because they genuinely want to be there and feel a strong sense of belonging within the sessions.

Coaching was a new challenge for me, and at first, I found it intimidating. However, with each session, my confidence and knowledge grew. Advice from experienced coaches— that nerves are natural and confidence develops with experience—has stayed with me throughout. Seeing the girls smile, enjoy themselves, and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding and reinforces why I started this journey.

Looking back, FALA has provided me with invaluable opportunities, friendships, and connections that will stay with me long-term. It has strengthened both my confidence and my ability to work with others. Most importantly, it has shown me that real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Applying to FALA was a leap of faith—and one of the best decisions I have made.