Beverley Clarke is a dedicated volunteer coach in Staffordshire, who has been working tirelessly to promote and develop grassroots football in her community.

As a female coach, she has faced many challenges and has had to work harder to establish herself in a traditionally male-dominated field.

However, through her passion and commitment to the sport, she has made a significant impact, especially in empowering young girls to get involved in football. This case study will showcase Beverley's journey in football coaching, her challenges, and her successes in inspiring and developing young players.

Her love for football started at a young age, and her passion for the sport has only grown stronger over the years. As a former high-level teaching assistant, she saw an opportunity to help with the primary school mixed football team, which eventually led to the development of a cluster of 15 schools within the area. With only two clubs with football fields, Beverley and her team had to play anywhere they could, including parks and concrete playgrounds. The success of the program accelerated quickly, leading to the use of the Northwood Stadium's 3G pitches.

Beverley's passion for coaching grew when she landed a job as a grassroots coach for Port Vale's girls' section five years ago. At that point, she discovered the availability of coaching badges and completed her Level 1 and UEFA C courses. Her commitment to developing young players led her to join Knypersley Football Club, where she helps with the development of 5 to 11-year-olds. She finds the challenge exhilarating, making sure everyone is engaged, and bonding like a family.

As a female coach, Beverley admits that there are not as many opportunities as there are for men. It has been a challenging journey, but her love for football keeps her going. She has had to prove herself over and over again, especially in male-dominated settings, where her presence as a female coach was met with scepticism. However, through her passion and hard work, she has earned the respect of her peers and players.

Beverley's impact on her community has been immense. She has inspired and empowered young girls to participate in football, a sport they might not have previously considered. Her dedication to coaching has led to the development of grassroots football within the area, benefiting young players from various backgrounds. Her contribution to football coaching has not gone unnoticed as she was appointed the FA Community Champion, a role that recognises the contributions of volunteers within their community.

Her journey in football coaching is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. As a female coach in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has faced numerous challenges but has remained resolute in her commitment to developing young players. Her love for football has inspired and empowered young girls within her community to participate in the sport, a significant achievement in a field where girls are often underrepresented. Her contribution to football coaching has had a positive impact on the community and earned her the respect and recognition of her peers. She is a role model for young girls who aspire to become football coaches, and her story should inspire them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.