Name: Charlie Rosenberg
Currently Club:  Leeds Maccabi
Previous Clubs: N/A

Tell us about how and why you got involved in grassroots football? 

I originally got involved in grassroots football because my son was 6 years old at the time and mad about football. As a football fanatic myself if felt like a no brainer to be involved in coaching his team. 

I had no experience of coaching football, so I went on the Level 1 course and it was really enjoyable and a great intro to coaching. Together with my co-coach Daniel Gray, we took the team from U7 all the way through to U18 and it was an amazing experience

What do you enjoy about grassroots football? 

I love that kids of all abilities, get to experience ‘competitive’ sport in a safe, friendly environment. It teaches them about commitment, teamwork, leadership, camaraderie, community whilst focussing on health and fitness.

It’s been great for them to play with and against friends and school mates and they get to know players from opponents and have development friendships and friendly rivalries! 
Having a community of coaches has also been great, with everyone in the same boat, all volunteers helping young kids play sport on a weekly basis!

What is your best memory of grassroots football?

I think my best memory was the last memory… the final game of our U18 season. It had been a challenging season, getting a team together each week as the players all have new commitments such as weekend jobs, but we pushed through the season to ensure we finished their junior football season… our final game was against Wigton Moor, our most local rivals! The kids had all gone to school together all their lives, they were the best of rivals! It was also their last game ever… despite losing narrowly, the game was played in the best possible spirit, a real celebration. When the game ended a series of photos were taken that we will cherish forever… including 8 lads who had played from Under 7s all the way through to Under 18 – a real achievement. 

What do you want to achieve in coaching football? 

As club chairman, my aim has always been to have a team at every age group from U7 to U18 and last year was the 1st year we fulfilled that… now we want to have that every year. In addition, we want to grow the club to ensure all kids who want to play football can, in a safe, friendly way. As an all-inclusive club it is important we can give everyone game time, but help them develop as a player and for the teams to be as competitive as they can. We are also trying to find our 11 a side home. We currently play across various pitches in North Leeds, and would love a ‘home’ site. 

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced in grassroots football? 

Facilities. Both for training and matches. There are not enough 4G pitches and the grass pitches we play on are generally in a very poor state of repair. 

Who’s had the biggest influence in your grassroots career and why? 

I think, as Club Chairman, my greatest inspiration is all the coaches that give up so much time and effort arranging training and games, booking refs and pitches, creating fun training games, and liaising with other coaches and parents! It’s often a thankless task but so many coaches give so much effort – I always thank the Leeds Maccabi coaches every time I make any kind of event welcome speech – but I would like to thank them all again now for everything they do – without them, there is no grassroots football. 

What advice would you give to people wishing to get involved in grassroots football? 

Do it… although it’s challenging at times, it’s so rewarding! Seeing kids grow and develop, not just on the pitch but off it too, is amazing and inspirational.