Coach Name: Rebecca Alice Wood

Date of Birth: 19 Sep 1995

Age: 21

Company Name: British Soccer

Place of Birth: Halifax, West Yorkshire, England

Years Worked at Challenger: One

Coaching Experience

I started with Challenger Sports coaching children, ages 3–18, in California and Oregon for 8 weeks. This experience enhanced my coaching confidence in soccer and allowed me to build upon my FA Level 1 coaching course skills. I was able to apply the coaching philosophy from my degree and utilize it in the camps. This was a highly rewarding experience, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to do it again. During the 2016–17 season, I gained a position as an Assistant Netball Coach for females age 18+. This was a different experience that enhanced my coaching abilities and improved my confidence working with females the same age/older than me. Since 2014, I’ve been coaching Multi-Skill Sport Camps for the Northumbria Sport Academy; this experience has enhanced my communication, leadership, and coaching abilities in sports such as fencing, cricket, and boxing. During the 2015–16 school year, I was a School Sport Coach and volunteered in a primary, secondary, and post-16 disabled school. This included a range of sports—Football to Dance twice a week. This was unique in that I was teaching a large group with different mental and physical disabilities the same skills; moreover I planned my sessions to include both progressions and regressions in each session to benefit all students.

Playing Experience

I played for my local club, Brighouse Juniors, and my school team, Brighouse High, until 14. Then I swapped sports, but still have a huge love for football, obviously. I would love to find a Women’s team to train and play with out here when I am settled near San Rafael.

For the Love of Soccer

I grew up in Halifax which has a lower tier league team in the UK. Jamie Vardy (a current England men’s Soccer player) played at Halifax Town before moving on to play in the Premier League and winning the title with Leicester in 2015-16. I am also close to Huddersfield Town which has just been promoted to the Premier League for the first time.

The team I support is Manchester United. I am a huge fan of both the current manager, Jose Mourinho, and previous manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. I also love the set-up at Tottenham in terms of their Academy structure and how they bring their youth players into the first team. In MLS I love the Portland Timbers and find the environment at Providence Park one of the best I have experienced.

In April, I went to watch two of my University friends play at St. James Park (in Newcastle upon Tyne). They both play on a semi-professional team and it was a great experience to support people I know. I have also seen Sunderland F.C. play at the Stadium of Light a couple of years ago.

Coaching Qualifications & Education

Coaching Qualifications:

• Level 1 Football Coaching, Level 1 Sports Leadership Award

Education:

• Brighouse High School - 11 A*-C's
• Brighouse Sixth Form—studied Modern History, Applied Business Studies, Physical Education, and Health and Social Care (Grades = C, B, B, Distinction*)
• Northumbria University—currently in my third year studying Applied Sport Science with Coaching

Family Background

I currently attend Northumbria University in Newcastle. I live with my mum and dad outside of term time. My mum is a teaching assistant and travels around local schools aiding disadvantaged children. My dad is a Company Manager for BCA, which makes electrical wiring for caravans. I have one brother, 24, currently living in London and is an Associate Lawyer in the Employment Department at Mishcon de Reya. I have a large family with 4 grandparents, 11 aunts and uncles, and 18 cousins.

Hobbies

Representing my university for Netball at both BUCS and Regional level
Enjoying time with friends and volunteering locally

Medical Information/Allergies

None

Food Likes

chicken, chilli con carne, pizza, pasta, fruit, vegetables, salad

Food Dislikes

fish e.g. tuna, pineapple, tomatoes

Coaching Experience

I've been coaching soccer since I was 16, working with my local soccer club. Currently, I’m the head of player development for the U10–U14 age groups. For the last 2 years, I have been co-coaching my college football Men’s first team. We compete in the top division of the Irish league. During my time in the USA, I have worked with competitive club teams and coaches for Mill Valley SC and Empire SC. I also ran our largest soccer camps with numerous clubs and organizations, leading teams of up to 7 coaches on a week-to-week basis.

Playing Experience

In my final year of high school, I reached the European championship high school finals. I’ve been a 3-year starter for my college team competing in the top division of the Irish League. As a youth player, I represented my town and county for 8 years traveling all over the UK in tournaments and competition matches.

For the Love of Soccer

I currently play soccer on Queen’s University soccer team. We play in the highest division in the Northern Irish Soccer League. I also had soccer trials at some top-level soccer teams in the U.K. 

I played for Derry City Youth Academy, one of the best teams in Ireland. During my time there I went on trial at their sister clubs. The most well-known of these is Celtic FC, the current Scottish division champions.

An interesting fact about myself is that I represented Northern Ireland National Youth Team when I was 15. I played a total of two games in the right fullback position. The highlight of my career would be playing in a fierce derby against my college rivals, Ulster university, in a crucial decider to determine who goes into the semi-final of the Collingwood Cup. This rivalry is similar to the UC Berkeley and Stanford match up. I made a terrific clearance off the line to save my team from getting eliminated. The final score was 1-0 to my university.

In my hometown, their still exists the bitter tensions between different religions. With this comes different religions supporting different teams, and the fiercet rivalries are Cliftonville FC versus Crusaders. This is a match between Catholics and Protestants, and it's not unusual for it to be called-off due to rioting, protests and fighting. This year it was called off.

My favorite soccer player has got to be Cristiano Ronaldo. He's not my all-time favorite, but he has accomplished so much and created such a legacy for himself that it's hard not to applaud his achievements. Ronaldo broke the record and became the most expensive player in soccer history in 2009 for £80million. However, it has now been broken again. That summer, I was lucky enough to actually watch Ronaldo play his debut in Dublin against Shamrock Rovers. I also got to meet him. On show that night was Karim Benzema, making his debut as well alongside other stars. That was my favorite game to date.

My favorite soccer club is Chelsea FC. I follow this team really closely. Didier Drogba was my favorite player for the club. Now he actually plays on and owns Phoenix Rising, a new soccer team competing in America.

Coaching Qualifications & Education

I am a licensed coach with the Irish FA and hold the Irish FA Level 1. I have also completed specialized FA Awards in Developing Creativity, Creative Attacking Play, and Developing Play Through the Thirds. I'm currently studying for my Masters in Sport Management and Development; due for completion in 2019. In 2017, I won the 'National Rookie Coach of the Year' award with Challenger Sports. Whilst in the US, I recently completed my USSF F License.

Family Background

5 in my family

Hobbies

I love to visit lots of different, unique places. Traveling is definitely a hobby. I really enjoy hiking, cycling, and visiting numerous tourist attractions.

Medical Information/Allergies

None

Food Likes

I'm a huge fan of Mexican food but I really love Italian too, especially pasta. Eating BBQ is also a great meal.

Food Dislikes

Fish