Hi Emma, 

I’m excited to share Somerset FA’s Youth Council used the beginning of the booklet to inform their personal development section of their meeting tonight. We defined communication as both verbal and physical and that communication can be expressed whether we meant to communicate or not (such as an emotional response). 

The group then looked at what aspects of communication exist in their comfort, growth and panic zones. Common themes included messaging someone instead of calling someone over the phone We discussed how it is easiest to influence those who are already aligned with our mission, whereas we may need to negotiate to meet an individual/group closer to their own expectations and ability to access an opportunity. We enjoyed sharing ways we are assertive in our own football roles and sharing people who's assertive behaviours has had a positive impact. It was great to be mindful of ways we can use specific forms of communication to get our projects across to our audience in the best way to ensure we positively impact as many young people in Somerset as possible.

We’ve added the case study and subsequent listening tasks to form the introductory part of our next meeting supported by a video clip of “Inside Out”. The clip showcases the different strategies employed by “Happiness” and “Sadness” when listening to others. We look forward to bringing best practise forward and applying it to football. 

Hi Emma, 

I’m excited to share Somerset FA’s Youth Council used the beginning of the booklet to inform their personal development section of their meeting tonight. We defined communication as both verbal and physical and that communication can be expressed whether we meant to communicate or not (such as an emotional response). 

The group then looked at what aspects of communication exist in their comfort, growth and panic zones. Common themes included messaging someone instead of calling someone over the phone We discussed how it is easiest to influence those who are already aligned with our mission, whereas we may need to negotiate to meet an individual/group closer to their own expectations and ability to access an opportunity. We enjoyed sharing ways we are assertive in our own football roles and sharing people who's assertive behaviours has had a positive impact. It was great to be mindful of ways we can use specific forms of communication to get our projects across to our audience in the best way to ensure we positively impact as many young people in Somerset as possible.

We’ve added the case study and subsequent listening tasks to form the introductory part of our next meeting supported by a video clip of “Inside Out”. The clip showcases the different strategies employed by “Happiness” and “Sadness” when listening to others. We look forward to bringing best practise forward and applying it to football. 

This is so great to read Alex, thank you for sharing! Its nice to understand how you used this in a group environment, did everyone work on the task individually first before discussing together? 

Will this be a regular feature of your youth council meetings moving forward? 

Thank you for sharing!

Hi Emma, Freya Gudge has been instrumental in driving this as SFA Chairperson alongside SFA Staff Leads Rebecca Snelling and Nick Hawkins. After a quick energiser to start our meetings, we'll use one of the Compass Books to form the topic of personal work and then drive disscussions. Really impressed by the ease in which we can use the themes set out in the workbooks. Love them!