Richard Luscombe Emily Elliott’s journey with Argyle Community Trust began with the Post-16 Football and Education team, where she studied for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Development and Coaching.
Described by staff and peers alike as outgoing, energetic, and dedicated, Emily’s enthusiasm shone throughout her studies. While she wasn’t initially certain of her exact career path when she joined, hands-on practical experience and tailored guidance from her tutors quickly sparked a passion for coaching. Her hard work culminated in her being named Year 13 Student of the Year.
Emily’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. During her course, she suffered a serious ACL injury. Showing remarkable resilience, she remained fully committed to her studies and rehab, successfully returning to the pitch before the end of her second year.
In September 2024, Emily transitioned into employment through the Trusts apprenticeship pathway. After meeting with the apprenticeship team, she enrolled as a Level 2 Community Activator Coach. Demonstrating rapid professional growth, she has since progressed onto the Level 4 Sports Coaching Apprenticeship, with a physical education specialism.
Emily enjoys the variety in her day-to-day work at the Trust: “For me every day is different, which I love. Every day is a new challenge, and this means I can develop my skills for a range of sessions.
“A typical day for me would include planning my sessions, before going to Wembury Primary School where I host a lunch time football club, organising activity engagement and supporting a fair play culture for the teams. In the afternoon I run two one-hour PE lessons which cover topics specific to the national curriculum. This is followed by a football after school club, which normally includes facilitating a warmup game and then a skill-based game, before finishing on a high with some small-sided matches.
“In the evening I will sometimes plan and support a girls Player Development Centre session at Torbridge. A typical session will include a warmup activity and then two skill-based activities that I host alongside my colleague Beth.”
Emily has enjoyed both the academic and practical side of the course, and how they blend to reinforce learning: “I really enjoy the lessons, which really break down why, as a coach, you do what you do. There was lot more to the course than just going to sessions and putting on games. I’ve learnt there are always reasons why you do things within the session and that has helped drive my own understanding of key quality markers.
“I have also enjoyed the practical side of the programme, not only because I love being active and trying new sports, but because it has given me lots of different ideas that I use in schools I teach at. Playing the games myself has meant I have understood the activities more, knowing what I enjoyed and didn’t, so I could lift this directly into my own practice and to the benefit of the children I work with.”
Emily’s development through the education and employability pathway at Argyle has been pleasing both for the Trust and to Emily: “I am really enjoying my journey, and am hoping to take my knowledge further, with my responsibilities growing as part of my role.
“I now lead more after school clubs and PE lessons, as well as Advanced Development Centre and Player Development Centre sessions.”
Emily received further recognition for her work when she was nominated by her assessor and tutor for the prestigious Young Apprentice of the Year Award, a testament to her attitude, progress, and ability.
A long and prosperous career at Argyle is the aspiration for Emily as she looks to the future: “I want to gain as much knowledge and experience within coaching as I can, whether that be speaking to people who are more experienced and getting tips off them, or doing online coaching courses to gain badges.
“I would also like to work my way up through Argyle Community Trust, so hopefully one day I can become a session lead for girl’s programmes, as well as continuing with coaching, which is my passion.”
Emily couldn’t recommend the apprenticeship scheme at Argyle highly enough: “My advice to anyone considering this apprenticeship would be to be brave and give it a go! I would recommend the course because you learn so much within coaching and the teachers are very understanding and supportive.
“Take as much information as you can from each lesson and really try to implement it into your sessions, because in my experience, they do work! The course creates a safe environment to learn through trial and error and encourages you to grow both personally and professionally.”
For more information on our Post 16 Football and Education programme visit https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/what-we-do/post-16-football-programme/.
For more information on our range of apprenticeships visit https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/what-we-do/apprenticeships/.
