Jake Donohue

I’m currently volunteering as a Coach Scholar with the University of Leeds Men’s Association Football Club. The role commenced in late September 2022 and is set to finish in early May, following the final Varsity fixtures.

My main responsibilities consist of planning and delivering two sessions throughout the course of the week (3.5 hours total). This involves management of the team during matchday BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) fixtures, and frequent communication with the team captains regarding feedback from a matchday or training sessions.

Testing and strengthening abilities

It is important that the team have a structured setup in place in order to enjoy their football as much as possible, as the university experience simply flies by! Regardless of results, if the squad has a smile on their face and looks forward to training and matchday, that should be fulfilling for me, too.

Regarding my own development, I was eager to coach in a competitive 11v11 format on a weekly basis. The management of 20-25 individuals of a similar age can seem daunting, yet the group took to me very well, which I am very grateful for – Cheers boys!

The exposure to different challenges throughout the course of the season has tested the way I think and find solutions in difficult situations.

I expected the role to have many benefits, including an improvement in my tactical knowledge, further development of my interpersonal skills, or testing my time management ability. Although these specific points have been improved as a result of volunteering, I now feel that I am a more well-rounded individual ready to immerse myself in a footballing environment.

New exposure, new experience

As expected, volunteering at the University of Leeds’ Men’s Association Football Club (LUUMAFC) gave me the opportunity to meet so many new people, and I’d consider them all to be good mates. 

After spending ten or more hours each week with a group of people, it is inevitable that you form some sort of friendship and it’s a nice added bonus aside from the volunteering.

Being in an environment with top-level, critical coaches has assisted my football development. 

Due to the training format, I have spent a lot of time with the 3s Coach (shout out to Bert). It’s always nice to throw some ideas around with him on how to tweak practices or find solutions on a game day.

Footballing wise, I understand the game much better and I feel confident to devise a session plan with relevant tactical and technical information to better prepare us for the game.

Balancing the role with other part-time jobs and a full-time degree has proved to be a challenge at times, but you can always find time to make things work. The exposure to coaching Men's football has given me the opportunity to deliver sessions in a much different manner when compared to youth level. I was excited to get some experience in this setting and it has certainly proved worthwhile.

Match highlights

The 4s have had a brilliant season so it’s challenging to pick just one moment. Finishing on 19 points from 10 fixtures (6 Ws, 1 D, 3 Ls), is a huge achievement that everybody should be proud of. However, a standout performance away at Leeds Beckett University on the final day of the season just edges it. 

After a narrow 2-1 defeat in a game with Leeds Beckett 4 weeks prior, the whole team were committed to changing the outcome the second time around. The 4s went on to play some brilliant football, with the result ending 4-0 in our favour. Credit to Leeds Beckett for winning the league and being involved in some tough encounters throughout the course of the season. I’m looking forward to Varsity.

Honourable mention – The penalty victory against Durham 2s following a 2-2 result in-game. This proved to be a huge result as they went on to win the league above this season!

Advice for future volunteers

Volunteering with the Men’s 4th team has simply been an incredible experience. The exposure I have had to a completely new environment has tested my character, and massively contributed to my holistic development.

It's tough to pinpoint exactly what people will learn from volunteering as the benefits are endless. I honestly couldn’t suggest this more to any keen individuals looking to challenge themselves.

Volunteering gave me plenty to talk about when applying for placements and a year in industry. 

As mentioned earlier, having effective time management strategies in place to manage the role with other commitments is essential. Your weekly structure will tend to take care of itself, and you develop a routine very quickly

Throughout the course of the year, I have had regular catchups with Lauren (Leeds Sport volunteering officer) regarding how the volunteering is going and if I would like any assistance. Don’t worry if things may seem too much at times, everybody is willing to help and listen.

Finally, a huge shout out to 4s captains Ben and Danny. The management of the 4s is a team effort, and these boys deserve huge credit for all of the time and effort they have put into the season too.

Thanks again to the volunteering team for this experience, I am excited to return in my third year following my work placement at Southampton FC.

More information about volunteering

Read more student profiles about volunteering
Find out more about volunteering opportunities as a student at Leeds