Ahead of Scotland’s opening match this summer, national team legend Jackie McNamara met aspiring grassroots coach Andy Jeffrey at the Scottish Football Museum to discuss how major tournament participation can inspire the next generation of players and football coaches.
The pair took a trip down memory lane in the iconic museum at the home of Scottish football, reflecting on Scotland’s last appearance on the world stage in 1998 and the wave of national pride it sparked – an impact that helped inspire many, including Jackie and Andy, to pursue coaching.
The pair then discussed their respective coaching journeys and how the Chase football coaching programme has supported and given Andy the opportunity to earn his professional qualifications, something he had previously been unable to do due to the financial barrier.
YouGov research, commissioned by Chase, highlights some of the key barriers facing aspiring coaches across the U.K., with the cost of qualifications and lack of confidence among the biggest challenges. Nearly half (44%) of respondents said financial support would make them more likely to continue their coaching journey.
The Chase football coaching programme is helping to create more opportunities for people to get into football coaching across the U.K. by providing funded access to introductory coaching qualifications and professional coaching bursaries for people from low-income backgrounds in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Since launching, the programme has helped fund 7,000 grassroots and professional coaching qualifications with 4,500 coaches already completing their qualifications.
Jackie McNamara's Remarks
Jackie McNamara said: “Major tournaments create moments that stay with you forever. I was fortunate enough to represent Scotland back in 1998, so to see and hear about the impact that had on the whole nation – including the next generation of players and coaches, has been incredible.
“Coaching is one of the most rewarding ways to stay involved in football, so it was fantastic to talk to Andy about how the Chase football coaching programme has given him that chance. The more opportunities we can create for people to get into coaching, the stronger the future of our game will be.”
Andy Jeffrey's Perspective
Andy Jeffrey, Chase football coaching programme beneficiary, said: “Meeting Jackie was an incredible experience. I vividly remember the 98’ tournament and how it fuelled my desire to stay in the game, so it’s amazing that the Chase football coaching programme has given me that opportunity. The support I've received has allowed me to follow my dreams, develop key skills and make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Chase's Commitment
Deborah Keay, Chief Marketing Officer at Chase, added: “Major tournaments don’t just inspire the next generation of players – they inspire the next generation of coaches too. Through the Chase football coaching programme, we're helping break down barriers by funding qualifications and opening up opportunities for people from all backgrounds to develop key skills and grow in confidence. By supporting aspiring coaches across the U.K., we're building a new generation of role models – people who strengthen communities and create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the final whistle.”
For more information on the Chase football coaching programme, visit www.chase.co.uk/gb/en/chase-football-coaching-programme.
