How to Balance Competition and Community as a Football Coach / Henry Knight of Port Vale FC

Football brings out so many parts of us - the competitive side, the passionate side, the creative, the physical, and the social side. That's one reason we love it so much.Our guest for Episode 51 of the Because Football Podcast, Henry Knight, currently coaches in both competitive and community football roles. As Assistant Coach for the Port Vale FC Women’s First Team, he is part of a dedicated, professional coaching staff whose aim is lead the club up from the fifth tier of English football pyramid. This work on the pitch, pushing their players, scouting opposition and crafting winning strategies, occupies his evenings. During the day, he works as Community Coordinator for the Port Vale Foundation, with a mission of being a positive presence in the local community through football and social programs.Although the roles are very different in their goals and required skillsets, Henry shares how each manifests in developing and supporting people through the beautiful game. He also shares more insight into the current state of women’s football in the UK, how the FA supports the game through its ETCs (Emerging Talent Centres), and the resources available to the Port Vale Women as a fifth division team.We also discuss the role of the club’s foundation in the local community of Burslem, with programs to support youth, elderly, and low-income households. Henry shares the joys of introducing youngsters to the sport and watching their passion grow year over year. These programs not only do good and help those in need, but they also allow the club to be a visible presence in the community. These efforts help to develop the next generation of Port Vale supporters and, therefore, sustain the club. Connect with Henry Knight here:X / TwitterLinkedInPort Vale FC Women [email protected] out more about Because Football:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram