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Kelly Smith MBE & Nikita Parris visit Club as part of FA scheme

2023-12-28T14:25:54.719Z

CLARETS SUPPORT LIONESS LEGENDS STUDIES

Kelly Smith MBE & Nikita Parris visit Club as part of FA scheme

2023-12-28T14:25:54.719Z

Kelly Smith MBE & Nikita Parris visit Club as part of FA scheme

Burnley FC were pleased to welcome Kelly Smith MBE, Nikita Parris and The FA’s Kelsey Byrne to the Club’s training ground recently, in support of The FA’s International Player to Coach Scheme.

England Lionesses' second all-time leading goal scorer and former Arsenal player Kelly Smith MBE and England international and Manchester United Women forward Nikita Parris are taking part in the scheme which provides former international players with bespoke support to aid their transition into coaching.

With the help of Women’s National Coach Developer for the FA Kelsey Byrne, the programme teaches coaches’ the skills and characteristics to succeed at the highest levels of the game, whilst also developing an understanding of modern-day management, leadership qualities and the ability to think strategically.

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The visit to the Clarets training ground was facilitated by Burnley FC’s Director of Football Development Paul Jenkins, who offered behind-the-scenes access to the facility for the players to gain a valuable insight and help them with their future coaching careers.

First Team Manager Vincent Kompany and Assistant Manager Craig Bellamy also spent time with the group, talking through their experience of making the step from player to coach, whilst also offering the chance to watch training to see the theory in action.

During the visit, the group also sat down with Chairman Alan Pace, who spoke about the day-to-day running of the Club, from operations to recruitment.

Kelly Smith MBE was grateful for the insight gained on the day.

“Huge thanks to Paul Jenkins, Vincent Kompany and Craig Bellamy for their exceptional hospitality on the Player to Coach course.

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“The support and generosity of their time, made this learning experience truly memorable.”

Nikita Parris added: “The experience in which Paul, Vincent and the team provided us was invaluable to our next steps.

“We were welcomed so kindly by everybody we met but the most impressive part was the level of access we were granted to the inner workings of the environment. The openness to help, educate and understand the day-to-day. Priceless.”

Supporting the group on the International Player to Coach Scheme is Women's National Coach Developer for the FA Kelsey Byrne, who was delighted with the access and opportunities offered.

“The coaches/players had an incredible experience during their visit to Burnley FC.

“Paul Jenkins was fantastic at providing an experience that supported their developmental needs and various platforms of experiences that allowed the coaches to ask questions, watch and take part in numerous activities throughout the day.

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“The girls were exposed to the other side of the playing field they have been previously used to, exposing them to things that usually get hidden to them as players - seeing player meetings, staff meetings, training sessions, exploring the recruitment department, as well as speaking openly to Chairman Alan Pace.

“The day really allowed the girls to see what life in a professional football club looks like beyond the grass. It was a once in a lifetime experience, the girls have absolutely taken plenty away to apply to their own working practice, whether that is now or in the future.

“We are incredibly grateful for the experience and overwhelmed by the generosity, openness and welcoming nature of the club and all the staff.”

Paul Jenkins said: “Following on from the visit to Burnley FC’s Training HQ that the international men's programme experienced a few months ago, we wanted to also give the women’s programme the same opportunity to witness some of the work going on within our football department.

“It was a pleasure to host Kelly Smith, England’s record-breaking appearance maker with 177 caps, Nikita Parris current England player and Kelsey Byrne FA Coach Educator. We look forward to supporting them on their journey in the future.”