In 2022, Charley started her educational journey at Eccles Sixth Form College, where she took Vocational A- levels in Health & Social Care, Applied Science, and Sport. At the time, she was unsure of her future career path. However, through her involvement with the Manchester United Foundation at the College, Charley has now found her calling and is currently studying Sport and Youth Leadership at Manchester Metropolitan University.
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Overcoming Challenges
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Charley was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five, which posed significant challenges, especially in balancing her health while pursuing her passion for football. Initially relying on finger pricks and insulin injections, Charley now manages her condition with an insulin pump, which requires constant monitoring of her blood sugar levels. Despite these obstacles, Charley continued to pursue football, playing for her school team at St. Patrick’s High School before moving on to Eccles Sixth Form College.
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Charley’s Partnership with Manchester United Foundation
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Upon joining college, Charley took every opportunity provided by the Manchester United Foundation. In her first year, she undertook numerous coaching courses and completed an impressive 168 hours of voluntary work. Not only did she contribute during college hours, but she also went above and beyond, volunteering on Friday nights to support FA Wildcats sessions and working at the club’s Girls Emerging Talent Centre (ETC).
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Over her two years at Eccles Sixth Form College, Charley’s confidence and skills grew significantly. She graduated with a Vocational A-level distinction, merit, and merit, ready to take on new challenges in both her education and career.
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Charley’s Achievements in Education and Career
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Charley’s time at Eccles was filled with valuable experiences. She participated in volunteer programs, played football for Manchester United in college matches, and worked as a ball assistant for Manchester United Women at Old Trafford and Leigh Sports Village. Her passion and dedication led to her achieving her UEFA C Licence certificate and an introduction to football coaching.
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As a result, Charley was hired as a paid staff member and appointed head coach of the U8 team at the Girls ETC. In addition, Charlie also works in one of the Kiosks at Old Trafford on match days. Charley’s journey has also afforded her unique experiences, such as visiting Manchester United’s training ground at Carrington, where she interacted with first-team players. She has even had the honour of coaching and playing on the iconic pitch at Old Trafford.
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A Bright Future Ahead
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Thanks to the work of Eccles Sixth Form College and the Manchester United Foundation, Charley’s achievements in just two years are extraordinary. She is now a fully qualified coach, employed in the club’s girls’ talent pathway, and is eager to continue advancing her skills. Her dedication to her personal and professional development is evident through her completion of several courses, including Talent Identification and Emergency First Aid, as well as her participation in workshops led by Manchester FA aimed at nurturing female coaches.
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Charley’s commitment and the opportunities she has embraced have laid the foundation for her next chapter at university. Reflecting on her time at Eccles College and with the Foundation, she says:
"I really enjoyed my time at Eccles [Sixth Form College] over the last two years. Through the college and the Manchester United Foundation, I was privileged to receive many opportunities that will help me in the future. I decided to pursue a degree at university linked with Manchester United Foundation because I want to further develop my knowledge and experience within the Foundation's settings."
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"Charley is an incredibly hard-working student who achieved fantastic results in her two sports units last year, including a Distinction in her Examined unit. She was supportive of her peers in the class and it was a pleasure to have her in the classroom."— Laura Walker, Sports Teacher, Eccles College
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Charley’s development from a young student uncertain of her future to a confident and accomplished coach serves as a testament to the impact of the Manchester United Foundation. The opportunities provided by the Foundation have played a crucial role in shaping her ambitions and career path. Charley’s perseverance and dedication have enabled her to unlock her potential, and she is now on a trajectory to achieve her dreams.
