Community Coaches Gain UEFA C-Licence

Three coaches from The Killie Community have recently achieved their UEFA C-Licence qualification, following a bespoke female-only UEFA course.

Bethany Hay, Mairi MacKenzie and Ciara McAllister were among just 32 female coaches across the country invited by the Scottish FA to attend the course held at Toryglen Regional Football Centre, covering practical phases as well as psychology and physical preparation.

The three coaches, representing The Killie Community, found out recently they were successful in gaining their UEFA C-Licence (Children’s Pathway), progressing to the next stage in their coaching career.

Ciara commented:

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to achieve this qualification – especially at such an early stage of my career as I’m currently studying Sports Coaching & Development at Ayrshire College.

“I feel privileged to join the small percentage of women who hold this worthwhile qualification and play my part in the development of women’s football.

“Our training sessions were led by Killie legend, Gary Hay, and Kilmarnock FC Academy Coach, Craig Hamilton, which was fantastic.

“It was great to learn from women from all different backgrounds including those who play the sport at a professional level, as well as those who aren’t necessarily pursuing a career in the sport at this time.

“I’ve definitely learnt a lot from other coaches and can’t wait to implement my new-found knowledge to my sessions with The Killie Community.

“We also had the incredible chance to meet Pedro Martinez Losa, Head of the Scotland Women’s National Team, which was an absolute honour.

“Thanks so much to the Scottish FA and The Killie Community for the incredible opportunity.”

All successful female coaches can now progress to the UEFA B-Licence in either Youth or Adult Pathway, or the Advanced Children’s Licence in the Children’s Pathway.

Mairi spoke of her journey to her UEFA C-Licence:

“I can honestly say that I didn’t expect to get my UEFA C-Licence but I’m so proud of myself to have achieved it.

“As a young female coach with The Killie Community who has never had a great interest in football, it feels incredible to now be able to say that I’ve got my C-Licence after 4 years at college, 2 years at university, and 7 months into my full-time role as Community Support Officer.

“Thanks to The Scottish FA for allowing me the opportunity to complete it  – it was challenging but completely worth it.”

Through funding received from the UEFA Coach Development Programme for Women, candidates were offered the chance to complete the course at a vastly discounted rate.

Bethany shared her experience of the course:

“Gaining my UEFA C-Licence is a very proud achievement of mine.

“I’m pleased to have gained several coaching badges with the Scottish FA, which has allowed me to develop my football skills and knowledge over the years. I look forward to transferring these new skills into my role with The Killie Community.

“I also want to say a special thank you to the charity for allowing me this opportunity.”

Jim Chapman, Head of Women & Girls at Kilmarnock FC, said:

“Congratulations to Bethany, Ciara and Mairi on their achievements. This is a fantastic programme to grow the number of female coaches within the sport over the country, and at Kilmarnock FC.

“The young girls at The Killie Community embraced everything about the course. Women and Girls football within Kilmarnock FC and The Killie Community will benefit hugely thanks to this bespoke female-only UEFA course.

“I’m particularly pleased that the girls have helped to continue the growth of female coaches within the club and I’m looking forward seeing them implement their new-found knowledge and experience to their roles.”