Gainsborough Trinity unveil new coach to deliver skills sessions for youngsters

COMMUNITY COACH -- 20-year-old Brad Wright will be helping to nurture the next generation of Gainsborough Trinity players.

Sport-mad 20-year-old Brad Wright is the newest member behind the scenes at Trinity, taking up a position within the community set-up, led by Damon Parkinson.

He played for the club as a defender at U18 level before a serious ankle-injury forced him to switch to coaching, which he has enjoyed for three years, including at local schools and nurseries. He has also spent 12 months in the USA.

Now he is set to play a key role in promoting the Gainsborough Trinity brand and building the club’s reputation among local youngsters through its ‘Footyclub’ sessions at West Lindsey Leisure Centre in the town.

Three sessions are being held each week -- for three-to-five year-olds on Saturdays (9 to 9.50 am), for six-to-eight-year-olds on Saturdays (10 to 11 am) and for eight-to-ten-year-olds on Tuesdays (5 to 6 pm).

“I just can’t wait to get started,” said an excited Wright. “I am keen to become the best coach I can possibly be, and work towards all my badges.

“I love working with children, especially with youngsters who you see improving with every session. I want them to have fun and learn things with the ball. I think it’s important that they go home, talking about what they have learned. That shows they are enthusiastic about what we are doing.”

Wright first dabbled in coaching with Trinity’s U8s’ side -- an experience that gave him the drive to provide exciting, engaging opportunoities for youngsters.

“As the children get older, the sessions develop,” he explained. “We begin to look at technique and style. I want to help the players make better choices and better decisions. I want to help them create opportunities as a team, not to go out and play like individuals. The club is committed to being involved in things together.”

Wright feels the ‘Footyclub’ initiative is “a fantastic opportunity”. “If the sessions are a success, the rewards for both the football club and the community shouldn’t be played down,” he added. “A future captain of the club could be starting his journey here in 2016!”