AYR United Football Academy prides itself on the commitment and drive of its volunteers and staff, and someone who is actively working to build links with the Ayrshire community and improve the reputation of the Academy is Football Development Assistant, Gregor Kyle.
Gregor, who has been in his position since April, is part of a team who are responsible for nurturing and developing a range of players, and he explained that his is a role that he found himself in after a long association with sport.
He commented: “I have previously worked as an SFA (Scottish Football Association) Football Coach at Inverclyde – from 2005 until 2006 – and I was also employed by North Ayrshire Council in 2007. During my time as a Multi Sports Coach – at South Ayrshire Council from 2006 until 2007 – I mainly delivered football sessions. In addition to being trusted with these tasks, I have also volunteered at boys’ club level.”
It is clear to see that Gregor is an individual who is extremely dedicated to fulfilling his duties, and being a holder of both Children’s and Youth Level 3 coaching badges, as well as a Physical Preparation badge in Pathways, means that he has a deep understanding of football overall and a wealth of knowledge that he can pass on to aspiring competitors.
Drawing on his association with the game, the professional stated: “I played football all through my childhood and teenage years. After leaving school, I moved into studying coaching and I subsequently have a Degree in Sports Development, which I gained in 2007 at Paisley University, now known as the University of the West of Scotland.”
While his expertise in regards to football cannot be disputed, Gregor said that he also has experience of developing young players of other sporting backgrounds, particularly those connected to netball, elaborating: “Upon completing my studies at University, I worked at Netball Scotland for three and a half years as a Youth Development Officer. My primary goal after this time had passed was to return to football in some way, so the vacancy becoming apparent at Ayr United was ideal for me and was something I was keen to explore.”
Looking specifically at the work that Gregor does for Ayr United and the Academy itself, his enthusiasm is obvious, and the remit of the position given to him is one that is varied and extensive – the job in itself encompasses administrative duties, coaching, overseeing the development of all girls teams, and project management.
Discussing the future and the benefits that he feels he brings to the Club, Gregor said that he relishes his current responsibilities. He is insistent that he would like to continue working in this capacity for as long as possible, whilst also assisting to create more opportunities for young female footballers and improving the Academy setup.
He commented: “I believe that I bring sound experience of managing projects as well as offering a high standard of administration. I also hope to further develop my coaching abilities and my aim is to help to raise the profile of the Academy within the community and develop the association.”
Report by Cheri Burns
