Oliver Warnett - Turning Training into Impact: A Day with FAW and Cardiff Met Sport

The FAW CPD training and football festival provided an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience football development in a real community setting. Through the partnership between the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Cardiff Met, I was able to apply coaching knowledge in practice, work directly with children, and better understand the impact football can have on participation and confidence.

The FAW CPD training focused on developing coaching and leadership skills through practical activities and discussions. It explored how to create inclusive, engaging football environments for young people. The football festival then gave us the opportunity to apply this learning by delivering activities and supporting children from local schools throughout the event. My role involved helping organise sessions, encouraging participation, and ensuring the children enjoyed a positive experience.

One of the biggest things I learned was how much communication and adaptability matter in real coaching environments. Lectures can teach theory and tactics, but working directly with children highlighted the importance of energy, patience, and quick decision-making. Every group of children responded differently, so I had to think on my feet and adjust activities to keep everyone involved and motivated.

The experience also helped me develop personally. My confidence improved throughout the festival as I became more comfortable leading activities and speaking with groups. At the beginning, I was slightly nervous about taking responsibility in a live environment, but the experience pushed me outside my comfort zone. By the end of the event, I felt more confident in my leadership, organisation, and ability to engage with participants.

https://youtu.be/mQ8XOTF_XI0

Applying my learning in a real setting was one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. During the festival, I supported coaching drills, encouraged teamwork, and helped create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for the children. This practical experience showed me how coaching is not only about delivering sessions, but also about building relationships and creating positive memories through sport.

The impact on the community was clear throughout the day. The children were enthusiastic, active, and excited to take part, while schools benefited from opportunities that encouraged physical activity and teamwork. Events like this can inspire young people to stay involved in sport and improve their confidence both on and off the pitch.

The partnership between the FAW and Cardiff Met is important because it connects education with real-world experience. It gives students opportunities to develop professionally while supporting local communities through sport. This collaboration benefits both students and participants, creating meaningful experiences that extend beyond university learning.

Overall, the experience showed me the value of practical involvement in sport development. What stayed with me most was seeing the enjoyment and confidence the children gained throughout the festival, while also realising how much I had grown personally through the experience.