Ben Ray- Volunteer
Falkirk Foundation provides an educational hub for young people, giving them a variety of programmes which cater to people from all walks of life within the community.
One person who completed one of our main programmes is Ben Ray, who now coaches as a volunteer at our Junior Academy on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I first got involved with Falkirk Foundation through the Centre Forward programme. I enjoyed this very much and it gave me the tools to continue into work”
We operate the Centre Forward programme in partnership with Forth Valley College and the National Lottery Community Fund. This allows young people to develop their employment skills and improve their confidence by gaining SQA units, Scottish FA coaching & first aid qualifications and completing a work placement. This bespoke course combines classroom work and physical activity to prepare young people for their next steps.
“The Centre Forward programme helped me gain an understanding of what employment would be like, it also gave me the opportunity to start volunteering in holiday camps and helped me gain some valuable qualifications.”
Whilst working through the programme, Ben was aware of potential opportunities to work with the Foundation as a volunteer. Ben has taken on voluntary work in our Junior Academy, working in our youngest group of 5 & 6-year-olds, as well as the holiday camps we offer. He has seen the benefits of voluntary work come to fruition.
“What I’ve learned about my voluntary work is an increase in confidence over time. I have also learned about the different things needed to be a football coach, such as equipment management and increased social skills. I have gotten better at dealing with big groups, with the children coming weekly also becoming more comfortable around me.”
Falkirk Foundation provide a safe and supportive environment for new coaches and volunteers, which Ben has been very grateful for.
“One piece of advice I would give to other people who are interested in coaching with Falkirk Foundation is do whatever you can. There are always people to help you, and you will gain a lot from it.”
