As excitement builds for the Women’s FA Cup Final this weekend, we caught up with OU graduate and football fanatic Allana, whose community foundation is inspiring the next generation of female footballers to reach their potential.
Allana’s career has gone from strength to strength since completing the OU’s Sport, Fitness and Coaching degree. With a full-time position as Director of Sport at a London school, Allana’s spare time is dedicated to helping young people develop an enduring love of sport.
“It’s not like work for me,” Allana says. “Coaching is what I love doing and I enjoy every minute of it. My main aim with the foundation is to make sure that kids of all abilities can come along to get active and have fun. You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing.”
She explains why this approach is so important, “Only a few players will ever make it to play football professionally, but that’s not the only route. Being involved in sport at any level has a positive impact on mental and physical health and provides a brilliant support network. I’ve met friends for life through sport, and we’ll always have that connection.”
Allana adds, “That’s why my number one priority is enjoyment, because that will keep kids motivated. At some clubs, it’s win at all costs and that can put kids off playing for life.”
Gaining the confidence to follow her dream
Allana prepping a class
Allana always wanted to set up a business that would “give back” to the community. “I set up the foundation while I was studying for my degree. OU study made me feel I had the capability to do more,” she said. “Having dyslexia made school difficult for me, and I didn’t have a good experience when I tried a brick university. It wasn’t until I studied with the OU that I developed the confidence just to be myself.”
Paying it forward
Allana wants to use her experience to encourage the young people she works with to believe in themselves, “I believe that you shouldn’t have to change your personality to take part in sport. If you’re shy or lacking in confidence, don’t let that stop you. Your personality should never be a hinderance. Some people are confident, and some are more reserved, that’s what makes a great team.”
Lifelong learning
Despite being busy running Project Ace Sports Foundation and working full time, Allana is currently taking part in The Powerhouse Project, which will help take her coaching qualifications to the next level. “I’m really passionate about this programme because it aims to increase representation for women in top coaching positions, which will leave a legacy for future generations of female players and coaches. I made the final 12 out of around 200 applicants, so it’s a great opportunity.”
Allana teaching young women at The Powerhouse Project
Allana hopes that her commitment to lifelong learning sets the right example, “As a coach, I think it’s important to keep learning and I champion that with the kids. I also tell them that learning isn’t just academic, you learn from being around people from different walks of life and having new experiences.”
She thinks back to when the foundation started, “The OU played a big part in my success, and I’ve recommended it to friends and family. Some of them are now taking courses and they love the OU as much as I did.”
Celebrating women’s football
As a long-standing fan of women’s football, Allana is positive about the future, “The women’s game has been playing catch up for a long time now, but with the success of the Lionesses and the way the BWSL is going, it’s definitely moving forward. Games are streamed on Sky Sports, when not that long ago you couldn’t catch a women’s game on TV. I think the conversation around women in sports, not just football is changing and long may that continue.”
That said, Allana feels there is still a way to go,” There are still barriers to access for aspiring players, especially from the inner city. Even if you do get scouted to play for a club, sometimes it’s just not possible for parents due to the location or cost of the training. Then for potential coaches, there’s the cost of qualifications that not everyone can afford. There’s a lot of talent out there, but opportunity and access are not equal. That just motivates me even more to expand the foundation.”
The big match
Looking ahead to Wembley, we couldn’t resist asking who Allana will be rooting for this Sunday, “Well, I’m a die-hard Arsenal fan so I’ll be a diplomatic neutral and say I’m just hoping for an entertaining match!”
