Ealing-born football star Bukayo Saka has teamed up with his first ever football coach, Colin Nixon, to celebrate football coaches and the impact they have on individuals and their local communities.
The 23-year-old Arsenal and England player was given his first grassroots opportunity as a six-year-old by Mr Nixon when he played for Greenford Celtics.
Mr Saka, who is a Chase ambassador for the digital bank which is supporting communities across the UK through the Chase football coaching programme, said: “It was good to see Colin again. He was the one who gave me my first opportunity in grassroots football, and the first coach that helped me to develop my skills.”
Mr Saka added: “Coaches like Colin are the role models that kids need. If you go on to play professionally or not, they give you guidance and skills that can last a lifetime. That’s why Chase and the Home Nations Football Associations are providing people with opportunities to get their coaching qualifications, which will allow them to develop important skills and play an inspirational role in their local communities.”
Mr Nixon said of their meet up: “Bukayo had a special talent from a young age, with a wonderful attitude, so I’m incredibly proud to see him go on and achieve so much with both his club and for his country. Coaching is very rewarding and gives you a wonderful chance to positively impact peoples’ lives. It’s great that the Chase football coaching programme is opening the career up to more people, so I hope we can inspire others to start their coaching journey and make a real difference.”
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