Former Reading manager Brian McDermott is backing a new football coaching initiative that is set to launch in Reading next month, with a focus on fun.
McDermott – who guided Reading back up into the Premier League in 2012 – is supporting his good friend Jason Elwell, who is launching Fun Football Coaching in Winnersh at the end of January, with the aim of providing fun coaching sessions for boys and girls aged 5-15.
Elwell had dreams of becoming a professional footballer at the same time as McDermott was starting his journey as a footballer manager at Slough Town, and former Reading striker Lloyd Owusu was making a name for himself at Slough.
He watched on as Owusu broke into Slough’s first team – then went on to play for Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading.
But it wasn’t to be for Elwell – and it was former Arsenal player McDermott who delivered some advice to him, telling him that he didn’t have what it took to become a professional player.
“At the time I was devastated to hear that, but I ended up being grateful to Brian for giving me that advice,” said Elwell, who subsequently gave up on his dreams of playing and started a coaching pathway that led to him coaching the likes of Frank Lampard and John Terry at Chelsea.
“The realisation that I wouldn’t make it as a pro opened my eyes to coaching and I never looked back.”
Elwell – who remains good friends with the ex Reading boss – is launching Fun Football Coaching in Winnersh Triangle with some free coaching sessions for 5-15 year olds on Saturday, January 25.
McDermott, who went on to manage Woking, Reading and Leeds United, is backing Elwell’s focus on making football coaching fun.
“Well done and good luck to Fun Football Coaching,” said McDermott. “It takes me back to when I was a young boy who used to love playing and learning, and the coaching that went with that.
“It brings it back to how it used to be – with a lot of fun, good coaches, and a sport that can be enjoyed by all of us, including girls and for boys.
“I wish the organisation really well and I hope it goes as well as I think it will.”
If you have a child aged between five and 15 years old who would like to take part in one of the free coaching sessions on January 25, you can visit www.funfootballcoaching.com and fill in the contact form to book a place.
