Chris Binns
Passing on information that he received as a player is a key part of his coaching career.
Profession
Anglian Water Network Technician. Previously a Plumbing And Heating Engineer.
Why did you join Thurlby Tigers FC?
One of my friends, Ellis accepted the opportunity to take up the role of coaching under 5s football at the club. After hearing this, I was very keen to get involved and contribute to the team and the club. Since then, we have been a very strong management team together.
After playing football with Ellis, we have plenty of ideas to pass onto the team from our experiences. Ellis and I appreciate all the managers we had in our time and how much time they took to give us the opportunity to play football and both of us wanted to give some of our time back to the FA and the up and coming footballers in our surrounding area.
What positions(s) do you hold within the club?
Football Coach / Football Development Officer (FDO).
What coaching qualifications do you have?
FA Level 1, UEFA C and Talent Identification Level 1.
What do you enjoy most/least about the role you play for your club?
Enjoyment of seeing the junior’s development and playing football, whether that at the top division or bottom division. Its all about the enjoyment factor. Only the lucky/select few make it as a professional football so all juniors need to play for enjoyment. Passing on information that I got given and seeing the boys do well will always be a highlight of my coaching career.
As a coach there is always the rough with the smooth. But being open minded and seeing everyone views is the most important. Trying to please everyone in your team/club can be difficult at times but that is just part and parcel of the role you undertake.
What is your favourite Thurlby Tigers memory?
The first training session and match we took. Also, when finding out we were playing Division 1 football when moving to competitive leagues. Makes the coaching worthwhile knowing your giving the players the best opportunity and seeing the boys doing the club and most importantly themselves proud.
Which professional team do you support?
Peterborough United.
Who have you played football for?
Junior career from Under 5’s – Under 13’s I played for Rippingale Rover JFC. Unfortunately, the team folded after winning the league, so therefore I moved on and trialled with Peterborough Sports Under 14’s and was accepted. This was all new to me as only 3 of us from Rippingale went to play in Peterborough as the rest of the squad either stopped playing or joined Bourne Town FC.
I then spent Under 14’s – Under 18’s playing for Peterborough Sports, including the Under 18’s midweek league. During the back end of the under 16’s season, I played for Peterborough Sports ‘A’ team, breaking into the reserves at 17 before making my UCL Division 1 debut at 18 years old. With being so young, playing for the first team was a privilege and making as many appearances as possible was difficult with having a high-quality squad but made it very competitive for places which made me an all-round better player. Unfortunately, I got injured at 20 years old and developed a condition in my knee which set me back for 4 years before returning to football. I returned to playing for Rippingale And Folkingham before Covid and then Thurlby Tigers after covid.
Which do you prefer, coaching or playing? Why?
I enjoy both, playing and coaching. Both elements of the game are something I am passionate for, and I have the mentality of giving my all and trying to excel. Obviously getting injured didn’t help that matter while playing, but when able to, it takes your mind off anything outside of the sport, whether that’s personal matter or work-related stress. Also playing with mates and seeing them excel with them moving onto playing for academies is another reason I have enjoyed playing football, the enjoyment of seeing others progress and seeing them take their skill and ability to the next level.
Coaching is just another element of giving everything I have learnt, during the years of playing the beautiful game, to the upcoming talent and seeing them succeed and strive to being their best. Seeing players improve during the years makes you want to do it more and more. Only downside is trying to keep everyone happy which is a difficult task but as volunteers we can only try our best by following the correct procedures and ethos.
Who is your footballing hero?
David Beckham. An unreal talent. Technical ability was top notch.
What three things would you take on a desert island and why?
- Phone. Obviously to get in contact with anyone or in case of an emergency. Also to take pictures of some beautiful sights.
- Torch. Ability to see at night.
- Memorabilia of all the important people in my life.