Here at the ESPFA we are so grateful to the amazing group of tutors that teach our students and deliver the BTEC course on the education side of the programme.
To showcase some of the excellent tutors the ESPFA boasts, we bring to you the second edition of ‘Tutors Tales’, a half-termly segment where we sit down with some of our tutors and highlight some of their achievements over past few years and share their backstory. In this term’s edition, we spoke to Mossley tutor Chris Hare, Mickleover tutor Ben Cocker and Kidlington tutor, Redd Pratley.
REDD PRATLEY – KIDLINGTON – “Knowing that I can aid that personal and academic development inside the classroom as well as out on the pitch was a huge incentive”
Q: “How does the ESPFA help the students involved with work experience and provide Links to further education or university?”
A: “One reason why I believe the ESPFA helps the students involved so much, is the individual attention that each student can get from their tutor due to the smaller class sizes. Also, the links that the ESPFA have to potential employers and universities in the U.K and USA, really helps the students through the transition after their time with the ESPFA.”
Q: “How did You get involved with the ESPFA?”
A: “I originally got involved with the ESPFA as a coach for Kidlington in September. The opportunity for me to take up the role in the classroom as their tutor as well came about in January, which was an opportunity that I couldn’t say no to.”
Q: “What made you want to become a Tutor for the ESPFA?”
A: “During my time coaching at Kidlington, I have realised how good the opportunities are put in place by the ESPFA to help students to develop both on and off the pitch. Knowing that I can aid that personal and academic development inside the classroom as well as out on the pitch was a huge incentive for me taking both roles at the club.”
BEN COCKER – MICKLEOVER – ‘Knowing that I’ve been able to shape the life of a student… education is such a great personal achievement for me!”
Q: “What has been your most enjoyable/rewarding moment or experience as a tutor?”
A: “It’s those ‘lightbulb moments’ that students have which just happen within lessons is probably the most enjoyable thing for me to experience as a tutor. Knowing that I’ve been able to shape the life of a student and that I’ve been able to have a positive impact on their knowledge understanding across their time in education is such a great personal achievement for me!”
Q: “What previous experience do you have as a Tutor?”
A: “I’m a bit of a ‘jack of all trades’ as I’ve had a fair amount of experience within several
education institutions including Primary and Secondary schools in both Derbyshire and
Nottinghamshire. I’ve also been able to gain vital teaching experience with Loughborough
College during my teacher training years. I couldn’t tell you how many students I’ve worked
with over the years!”
Q: “How did You get involved with the ESPFA?”
A: “My time with the ESPFA started in September 2019 – I was actually recruited by a friend
who worked with Belper Town at the time who felt I would be perfect for the tutoring role.
Initially I worked with the students at Carlton Town (the majority of which are completing
their year 2 studies this year with Megan), they were fantastic groups and had excellent
enthusiasm and character from the get go. I then moved on to my current club Mickleover
Sports in the January of 2020 and have since built some fantastic relationships with
knowledgeable students, seeing many of them head off to University last year and several
are almost there this year joining them!”
CHRIS HARE – MOSSLEY – ‘think working alongside people who care about their role and want the best for the students’
Q: “What made you want to become a Tutor when you first started out?”
A: “It was to try and pass on what was given to myself. Teaching has given me the opportunity to gain experience within education and I can pass on that experience to students.”
Q: “What is the most rewarding thing about being a tutor for the ESPFA?”
A: “I think working alongside people who care about their role and want the best for the students.”
Q: “What made you want to become a Tutor for the ESPFA?”
A: “It has an enjoyable environment and being able to work in football, which is one of my passions, what something very attractive about the role.”