Meet the coaches: Vicky Mason

It’s time to meet u10s coach and Women’s team player Vicky Mason whose route into football has been as rapid as it has been rewarding! She’s an inspiration to all mums out there wondering if they’ve got what it takes to get involved in grassroots football.

Hi Vicky, tell us what got into football coaching…

Two people: Dylan Williams and Jo Treharne, I blame it all on them. My son was doing Saturday Soccer and loving it, and Dylan, who runs it asked parents for volunteers to help out with the coaching. I generally say yes to things but I had absolutely no clue about football, I had never played before in my life, so I thought it would be a good idea to join the Canterbury Old Bags team, run by Jo. I remember my first session with the Old Bags, I was absolutely bricking it, but I have never met such a fun and welcoming bunch of women before. That first ever go at playing football was two days before my first ever coaching session and I had no idea what that was going to lead on to!

Tell us about your own football background? Where does your love of the game come from and did you play a lot of football before becoming a coach?

I can honestly say I had no football background before becoming involved in Canterbury Eagles. I have Canterbury Eagles to thank for my love of the game! I have been coaching and playing for three years now (I even made it into the Canterbury Eagles Women's Team) and I have experienced playing in tournaments, playing Futsal and Walking Football too. I have coached a brilliant bunch of players at 5 a side and 7 a side and we are now getting ready for 9-a-side which is a big change. We have done a few tournaments and have regularly played in Futsal tournaments too. I never expected to get so sucked in!

What team do you support and why?

I support Canterbury Eagles! I also support Arsenal thanks to my husband. I love watching the women's team as well as the men’s.

Have you ever met a famous footballer? If so, who?

No, but I did teach Ian Wright's son Physics!

What’s surprised you most about the experience of being a football coach?

I didn't expect it to be quite so much work but I also didn't expect it to be so rewarding, its well worth it.

What’s the most difficult aspect of coaching a team and what’s the most rewarding?

The most difficult aspect of coaching a team is doing what's best for everyone. My players have different reasons for playing, have different abilities and aspirations and trying to manage the team so it works for everyone is a challenge. The most rewarding bit of coaching is seeing them smiling and laughing as a team when the match is finished, whatever the score.

*Vicky with a Player of the Match award after a Women’s team match*

Tell us about your favourite moment as a coach so far.

I think my favourite moment as a coach so far has been putting on my number 15 shirt for the Canterbury Eagles Women's team. I know its not coaching as such, but I only went to their training sessions to learn more about the game and coaching, not to play initially, and now I am in the squad. I have the same number as my son Archie, who is the reason I ended up doing any of this crazy stuff in the first place.

What do you like about Canterbury Eagles?

I like the ethos here. It is very supportive for players, their families and coaches too.

Who in particular at Canterbury Eagles has helped you in your coaching journey?

I've mentioned Dylan and Jo already but they deserve a second mention and more! There are sooo many people who have helped its hard to fit them all in. All of the committee, all the managers and coaches have helped me at one point or another, its like a little family. Matteo, Tony, Dan, Nathan and Mandy have all been legends helping with my various questions. My amazing coaches in the Women's team, Sam and Jeannie, have taught me so much and the players in the Old Bags and Women's team are such brilliant, supportive people. I also have the best group of parents and players :)

What would you say to someone considering getting involved in coaching youth football?

Run the f*$k away! Not really. Just give it a go! You might really like it and the club is here to support you.

*With fellow coaches Jeannie and Jo at St George’s Park*

What one thing would you like to change about grassroots football?

There are a few coaches around that take things a bit too seriously, each game is like they are playing the World Cup final. I have had to tell some coaches off for shouting at referees before, that's not on. If everyone could just be a bit more chilled and enjoy the game that would be better :)

Finally, what do you hope your players get out of playing for Eagles?

I hope that each week they get some fun, some exercise and some time to meet up with their friends. I also hope they are learning a bit about football but also general life lessons like resilience and compassion.