This is Naomi, she has autism. She's played for my team for the last 2 seasons, U8s and U9s.
At first, if it was raining she wouldn't even leave the house and if it started to rain during training she'd go sit in the car.
But now, especially in the second half of this season she's really coming out of her shell. She's been braving the great British weather for the past 18 months, but in the last couple of months she's been asking to go in goal in training (that was a massive no no previously). For me, the biggest change in her has been the way she behaves on a Saturday. Before she was fairly static, wouldn't get involved too much and if the ball came near her, she'd just kick it in whatever direction she was facing. Now though, we have "beast mode" Naomi. She is composed, takes a touch, passes forwards, runs with the ball and joins the attack. A few weeks ago she got her first ever assist. 2 weeks ago she was inches from her first ever goal. And last week she captained the team. However, the biggest and most noticeable difference is the fact that she is actually CALLING for the ball. Last weekend she was asking to be passed to!!
All this from a young lady who wouldn't even leave the house some weeks. Now she's asking to receive the ball. For the vast majority that's "normal" but for Naomi, it's enormous!
I'm immensely proud of her and the support that she gets from her Mum, step-dad, Dad and step-mum is vital.
I would love it for the whole grassroots family to bask in how fabulous she is!
She's an inspiration! She inspires me to be a better coach and I'd love it if she could inspire someone else with similar struggles, even just one!
This is Naomi, she has autism. She's played for my team for the last 2 seasons, U8s and U9s.
At first, if it was raining she wouldn't even leave the house and if it started to rain during training she'd go sit in the car.
But now, especially in the second half of this season she's really coming out of her shell. She's been braving the great British weather for the past 18 months, but in the last couple of months she's been asking to go in goal in training (that was a massive no no previously). For me, the biggest change in her has been the way she behaves on a Saturday. Before she was fairly static, wouldn't get involved too much and if the ball came near her, she'd just kick it in whatever direction she was facing. Now though, we have "beast mode" Naomi. She is composed, takes a touch, passes forwards, runs with the ball and joins the attack. A few weeks ago she got her first ever assist. 2 weeks ago she was inches from her first ever goal. And last week she captained the team. However, the biggest and most noticeable difference is the fact that she is actually CALLING for the ball. Last weekend she was asking to be passed to!!
All this from a young lady who wouldn't even leave the house some weeks. Now she's asking to receive the ball. For the vast majority that's "normal" but for Naomi, it's enormous!
I'm immensely proud of her and the support that she gets from her Mum, step-dad, Dad and step-mum is vital.
I would love it for the whole grassroots family to bask in how fabulous she is!
She's an inspiration! She inspires me to be a better coach and I'd love it if she could inspire someone else with similar struggles, even just one!
If my ⚽️ jobs over the past 35 yrs have taught me anything, it’s that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
What is one coaches difference maker, is another coaches bench warmer.
& they could both be coaching at the same level.
DAY 5: PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway
🎁 New Evnroll V-Series Putter (choose any model, hosel, length, RH or LH: https://t.co/FSdWzQMmmd) #JingleBAM!
To enter:
🎄 Retweet
🎄 Follow @PGAPappas and @Evnroll#ReleaseTheKringle! https://t.co/5vWLnr8My4
To add to the spirit of @jonathanrwall giving, I’ve got a PXG 0211 5-wood that needs a new home!!
Just RT and comment with the distance you need this for & I’ll randomly select a winner Friday. Have to be following to be entered.
🚨 NEW CONTEST 🚨
Win this brand new Cleveland HB SOFT Milled 10.5S Putter with premium @USTMamiya ALL-IN Shaft
Follow @THPGolf and @ClevelandGolf
RT this to enter and then tell us in the comments tag a friend that 3 putts way too often.