Lewis Clements

As I approached the end of college, I decided to focus on a career path that aligned with my interests and goals. This led me to secure a position with a local sports company, which allowed me to develop my skills in working with children while pursuing my passion for sports. My role at Prestige has given me the opportunity to engage in a wide range of sporting activities, including football, basketball, hockey, and even archery.

I have gained valuable experience both working independently and collaborating with others. My responsibilities have included coaching during after-school clubs, lunchtime clubs, PE lessons, and breakfast clubs. Additionally, I have worked at football camps, where I have encouraged children who typically show little interest in the sport to participate and discover its joys.

After completing my first year of college, I was assigned to deliver a coaching session at a primary school. The experience was incredibly rewarding and sparked a keen interest in coaching. Motivated by this, I reached out to my former football manager, who worked at Ipswich Town. He arranged an interview for me, and I began volunteering at the development centers in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill. There, I delivered outfield football sessions and gained valuable experience working with children.

As my passion and confidence in coaching grew, I transitioned to working with the girls' goalkeepers at the Haverhill development center on Tuesday nights. This opportunity allowed me to further hone my skills, and soon I was offered a coaching role on Monday nights at the Bury St Edmunds center, focusing on goalkeepers.

During my time volunteering and working with Ipswich Town, I made it a priority to learn from more experienced coaches. I took every opportunity to observe and collaborate with them, visiting other centers in the region to understand the standards required to excel. These experiences not only improved my coaching abilities but also solidified my commitment to making a meaningful impact in sports development.

After completing my GCSEs, I decided to gain work experience alongside my college studies. I started working part-time, typically around 12 hours a week during the first year and a half, and increased my hours after completing college. Nando's proved to be an excellent employer, offering flexibility that allowed me to manage both work and education effectively.

Initially, I worked front of house, handling tasks such as taking customer orders at the tills. This role complemented my strong communication skills and provided valuable customer service experience. I also took on responsibilities in the kitchen, preparing and serving food. This allowed me to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the business and enhance my versatility as a team member.

Limitless is a sporting activity camp that operates during school holidays and half terms. I have worked with them over Christmas, Easter, and the summer, coaching children aged 4 to 14. My time at Limitless has significantly enhanced my coaching style, particularly through working with children of varying abilities and ensuring all participants enjoy themselves while engaging in sports.

At Limitless, the focus is on creating fun and engaging sporting games tailored to different age groups. For example, when working with younger children, I design simpler, more age-appropriate activities compared to the more challenging games I might use with older groups. This ensures every child, regardless of age or ability, has a positive and enjoyable experience.

During my GCSE studies (2018–2022), I worked part-time at my dad’s restaurant. My primary role was as a kitchen porter, but I also took on responsibilities as a sous chef when needed. Additionally, I contributed to front-of-house operations, serving food and drinks to customers and ensuring a welcoming dining experience.