Football coach – Phil Smith

Phil is one of our football coaches and loves having the opportunity to work with a great group of children and watch them implement in training or games, the skills they learn.

Q&A with Phil…

Profession

Public Relations consultant.

Position held for the club

Football Coach.

Length of time in position

Since September 2017.

What do you enjoy most / least about the role you play for the club?

As a coach, I most enjoy having the opportunity to work with a great group of children and watching them implement in training or in games the things we are trying to teach them (and also being supported by a fantastic group of parents).

It isn’t all about winning, as we know, and I personally enjoy games where we have really put up a fight and the team have given everything! It is both exciting, and rewarding, to be part of the club and I love match days. There is nothing I don’t enjoy per se.

Coaching qualification

FA Level 1.

Why did you join Thurlby Tigers FC?

My son has been with the Academy since the age of five. I knew the club were looking for coaches to take the team forward and, together with another Dad, I stepped forward to help. It has probably been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.

What is your favourite Tigers memory?

As a Dad, it would be my son’s first goal for Thurlby at the 2019 Deeping summer tournament. He had done really well all season but the one thing that was missing was a goal. Then, out of nowhere – and from a long way out – he fired in a last-minute goal to help us win 1-0. It was a really proud moment and he has certainly developed massively during this current season too.

What professional team do you support?

Sheffield Wednesday, since 1986. I’ve seen it all!

Who did/do you play football for?

Bourne Head Rangers (as they were) from Under 10’s to Under 16’s. I also played for my school and university teams.

Biggest game you’ve ever played in or coached?

When I was 10 I played in a competition called the Pell Cup. The final was played at the Sir Halley Stewart playing field, home of Spalding United. We played 11-a-side, on a full size pitch, and I can remember the pitch being bone dry. That did work out, though, because I lobbed the goalkeeper (after the ball bobbled up!) and we won 1-0. We got the climb the ‘famous steps’ at Spalding, and lifted our first trophy.

Coaching or playing? And why?

I enjoyed playing – and the people I grew up playing football with have been friends for life – but I stopped playing competitively at a relatively young age (in my twenties). I do regret that in some ways, because now I am coaching I find I want to play myself. I’m probably a better coach than player.

Who is/was your footballing hero?

David Hirst – if you haven’t heard of him, watch his goals on Youtube!

What three things would you take on a desert island and why?

Tough question – tempted to say my mobile phone and Ipad because they are perceived as so important in the modern day, but I think I could live quite happily without these. I’m going to say…