Having been awarded £30,932 from Young Start delivered by the Big Lottery Fund, Morton in the Community aim to develop 48 young people aged 16 to 24 living in Inverclyde through the ‘Volunteer Internship’ Project from March 2018 to March 2020.
Having engaged around 20 young people thus far, we took the opportunity to meet Morton Seniors player Caitlin McKee who has also started her coaching journey through the Volunteer Internship.
Caitlin started playing football in 2011, aged 10 years old, with St Andrews Bells, moving onto Port Glasgow Juniors Girls before progressing though Morton in the Community’s player pathway within the last 4 years and still continuing to play with our Senior team. Combining playing with coaching, Caitlin is beginning to work through our coaching pathway and providing opportunities for the next generation of Morton girls players.
Q1: How did you hear about Morton Volunteer Internship (MVI)?
I heard about the MVI project through my head coach Laura Williamson and thought it sounded exciting.
Q2: Why did you apply to be part of MVI programme?
I applied to be part of the MVI programme as I thought it would be a great opportunity to develop my coaching skills and allow me to have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a coach.
Q3: How has the MVI programme helped you as a coach?
The MVI programme has allowed me to become more confident to be able to take part in leading drills and sessions. I have a better understanding on different coaching techniques used across a variety of age groups. I have been able to interact with younger kids which has been enjoyable. I have also learned a lot from other coaches at Morton which has helped me to improve my coaching skills as well.
Q4: What are your plans for the future in coaching?
My plans as a future coach would be to lead my own sessions. In particular I would like to coach girls as I’m currently an assistant coach at Morton Girls U11s where I have been able to take part in leading drills.
Q5: Why should people volunteer at Morton in the Community?
People should volunteer at Morton in the Community as they offer lots of different opportunities that can help develop you as a coach and lead to future career options. Volunteering helps develop a number of your skills such as your confidence, communication, preparation and time keeping.
