Trust student jets off to coach in America

Wednesday, July 3rd 2019

Foundation Degree student and award-winning Youth Council member, Mel Wilkinson, travels stateside to spend three months coaching football in California.

Mel first became involved with the Trust four years ago at a social inclusion football session. From here she went onto become the Chairperson of South Bristol Sport Centre Youth Council, which in turn became a key part of the Trust's project steering group.

The work of Mel and the rest of the Youth Council received national acclaim with the group winning an FA award for their work in the local community.

In addition to this Mel has also dedicated much of her time to volunteering with Bristol City Community Trust on their various different programmes, which has led to her gaining paid employment with the organisation.

Mel is now enrolled on the Trust’s Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development course (delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales) where she has thrived as both a coach and an individual.

Foundation Degree lecturer, Charlotte Plumb, commented, “Mel is an outstanding student and a very talented coach.

I wish all the very best of luck in America and I have no doubt that she’ll make the most of this fantastic experience.”

Mel will spend her time in America gaining invaluable first-hand coaching experience as she will coach a number of different youth teams and on summer camps.

For more information about our Foundation Degree programme, click here.