Ellie Threlkeld

I have always loved sports, mainly football and cricket. I play cricket for Lancashire and have been involved with England programs in the past. I play football for Wigan Athletic Ladies first team, moving there after playing for Liverpool for 7 years. I am a huge Liverpool fan and in my spare time one of my hobbies is to play the piano.

I have always had a passion for coaching, helping out at my local club with the younger children ect. Last year I was the assistant coach for the development and recreational teams alongside completing my level 2 course. I also organised their first ever fixture. After the success and enjoyment of this I decided to apply for the head coach role. This winter I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the girls and helping other new coaches achieve their potential and gain confidence.

I also entered them into an indoor competition in which they did very well and allowed them to get some competitive cricket under their belts. I also had organised fixtures for this summer which have unfortunately been cancelled with the current circumstances.

I have really enjoyed it, I have learned new skills and it has been thoroughly rewarding seeing the girls improve week on week. I wanted to make a difference and give something back to a club that has supported me so well as a player. I also wanted to give the girls some competitive games that they might not have access to through clubs so spent time trying to organise fixtures which unfortunately can’t now go ahead but the contacts have now been made for next year!

Volunteering for this role, along with being vice chair of the club and the training load I have myself has made me improve my time management skills. However, the main skill I have gained through this experience is confidence; as a new coach I was a bit shy and struggled speaking up and leading a big group of people that are my own age. Now I’d like to think I am much more confident and this does not phase me anymore. It has also taught me to communicate well with others; organising fixtures, getting availability ect. I have also found as a player, this experience has helped my leadership, again through confidence but especially in training, making our self lead sessions more beneficial for others by coaching them.

Just do it, throw yourself in at the deep end, not only are you helping others and your club which is really rewarding, you are helping yourself. You learn and improve your own skills which is nothing but a great opportunity.

I enjoy how rewarding it is; seeing one of your players execute something they have been working on and you have been helping them with is a really good feeling. As well as receiving positive feedback and people giving their thanks makes you feel good.